Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President is a documentary film that explores the role music played in Jimmy Carter's 1976 presidential campaign and his four years in office. The film features interviews with Carter, as well as musicians such as Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Gregg Allman, Jimmy Buffett, and others who performed at the White House during Carter's presidency.
The documentary traces Carter's rise from a small town businessman to his election as Georgia's governor and then the United States presidency amid the tumultuous times of the Vietnam War and Watergate scandal. Music played a key role in Carter's messaging during his campaign and his presidency, with artists using their songs to convey the message of hope and unity that Carter promised.
Carter's love of music extended to bringing top artists to the White House, with performances that welcomed diversity and celebrated American culture. This included a jam session with Willie Nelson and an all-star concert featuring Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis.
The film highlights the significance of Carter's presidency, both politically and culturally, and the impact it had on the country's future. It illustrates how music was a tool that bridged the gap between political ideologies, brought people together, and reflected the spirit of a progressive America that refused to be divided.