Jimmy Carter’s Love for Music Inspired Oxford Band’s Tribute Song

TUPELO — In 1995, the Oxford-based band Blue Mountain released a heartfelt tribute to former President Jimmy Carter in their album “Dog Days.” The song, simply titled “Jimmy Carter,” celebrated the 39th president’s humble roots and humanitarian legacy. Decades later, the band received a personal letter from Carter himself, expressing his appreciation for their music.

Blue Mountain, composed of Cary Hudson, Laurie Stirratt, and Frank Coutch, wrote the song as a response to critics of Carter during his presidency. “There were certain people that didn’t like him, and I liked him, so I thought, ‘Well, I’ll just kind of put my thoughts into some lyrics but try to make it kind of funny, too,'” Hudson recalled. The lyrics praised Carter as a “peanut farmer by the name of Jimmy Carter” with “eyes set on every schoolboy’s dream.”

The band’s admiration for Carter stemmed from his authenticity and dedication to humanitarian causes. “He seemed like the last president that was a real, honest-to-God humanitarian and a really good person,” Stirratt said. “His legacy is amazing. Even after his presidency, he was already doing so much humanitarian work.”

In February 1996, during a residency at the Dark Horse Tavern in Atlanta, Georgia, the band received a letter from Carter. Written on presidential stationery with a gold-embossed seal, the letter thanked the band for their album, particularly the song about the “peanut farmer.” Carter wrote, “I regret that my schedule won’t allow me to catch any of your performances, but wanted you to know how much I have enjoyed your CD ‘Dog Days.'”

Carter’s love for music was well-documented throughout his life. As president, he hosted celebrations of American music, from jazz to country, and even sang “Salt Peanuts” with Dizzy Gillespie at a historic White House concert. His appreciation for diverse genres reflected his belief in the unifying power of music. “Jimmy Carter loved the whole range of American music because Jimmy Carter loved the whole range of Americans,” said one observer.

Blue Mountain’s tribute to Carter highlighted his Southern roots and his connection to everyday Americans. “He really seemed like a man of the people,” Hudson said. “I love the fact that he didn’t try to disguise his Southern accent. I was very proud of him as a Southerner.”

Carter’s legacy as a humanitarian and music lover continues to inspire. Stirratt noted, “He was an example of the best of human nature. He had a really rough row to hoe during his presidency with the hostage crisis, which I remember, and a lot of people really didn’t like him. But I think that’s something we’re lacking now—the character.”

Jimmy Carter passed away on November 29, 2023, at the age of 99, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, humility, and a deep appreciation for the arts.