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Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President

Play trailer 2:16 Poster for Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President Released Sep 9, 2020 1h 35m Documentary Music Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
95% Tomatometer 41 Reviews 82% Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
A portrait showing how Jimmy Carter's lifelong passion for music gave him an unexpected edge as a presidential candidate. Through folk, soul, gospel, jazz and rock 'n' roll, Carter tapped into a force that transcended divides.
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Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President

Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President

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Critics Consensus

Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President warmly -- and tunefully -- highlights a rarely explored facet of the 39th U.S. President's tenure.

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Critics Reviews

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Brad Wheeler Globe and Mail Director Mary Wharton's notion is to portray the aw-shucks politician's embrace of rock music as a sign that Carter was open to fresh ideas, younger generations and strange new aromas. Rated: 3/4 Nov 2, 2020 Full Review Eric Kohn indieWire "Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President" is more of a side-dish to his legacy than the feature-length format can sustain. Rated: B- Sep 11, 2020 Full Review Mark Feeney Boston Globe Even more than the music itself, or Carter's passion for it, this alertness to sharedness is what ultimately makes the film moving as well as so pleasurable. Rated: 3/4 Sep 11, 2020 Full Review Ruth Maramis FlixChatter Film Blog An entertaining and enlightening film that highlights how President Carter was a soulful ‘entertainer in chief’ who tapped into the unifying power of music. He truly was a rockin' president, literally and figuratively. Rated: 4/5 Jan 11, 2025 Full Review Bill Brioux Brioux.tv ... Heartening and toe-tappin’ look at America’s 39th president. Oct 11, 2022 Full Review Cory Woodroof Nashville Scene The documentary drives home the fact that moral leadership isn't something to scoff at, that the iron hand doesn't age as well as the guiding light. Sep 8, 2021 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Alice At the time, I was too young to pay much attention to politics or social events in my country. In addition to being reminded how great a Humanitarian Jimmy Carter is, I was impressed by how strong Rosalyn Carter was. I did not recall her in such a way. I also enjoyed the music history related to Jimmy Carter at the time. This documentary was enjoyable and informative we loved it! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/26/20 Full Review LaVann Great storytelling presenting so much I didnt know about President Carter. What a great film!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/13/20 Full Review Leah D A great view to visit the days of Jimmy Carter. The very first president I ever voted for. He will go down in History as a great leader and a true Humanitarian Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/10/25 Full Review SkyRo P The documentary series titled "Jimmy Carter: Rock 'n' Roll President" premiered in 2020, featuring candid interviews with the former president himself, where he reflects on his connections with iconic musicians like Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson. Jimmy Carter is often regarded as one of the most remarkable presidents in American history. He prioritized peace over conflict, successfully navigating the nation out of war without a single loss of life. Regrettably, his commitment to non-violence and diplomacy led to widespread criticism, resulting in him serving only one term. Many failed to recognize the profound impact of his presidency. Beyond his political achievements, Carter is also celebrated as an exceptional humanitarian. His dedication to Habitat for Humanity exemplified his commitment to helping those in need, as he tirelessly worked to provide shelter and resources for countless families. His activism and genuine belief in the power of love earned him the title of "President of Love." He approached his role with a heartfelt desire to support the well-being and happiness of the American people, prioritizing their needs above his own political ambitions. The documentary highlights Carter's passion for rock 'n' roll, a genre that some might have found incongruous for a sitting president. However, Carter's willingness to engage with diverse cultural circles illustrates his belief in inclusivity. He extended compassion even to those society marginalized, such as those involved in the counterculture movement. Yet, he remained firm against organizations that posed real threats to public safety, such as drug cartels and hate groups. Carter's presidency was marked by a commitment to fighting against those forces. Tragically, Jimmy Carter passed away in December 2024 at the age of 100. His legacy as a compassionate leader and dedicated public servant will continue to resonate. May God bless his family and honor the memory of Jimmy Carter. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/03/25 Full Review Audience Member Not sure what was so good, especially since I was around during that time and saw inflation skyrocket and 2 neighbors lose their homes among other things. Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 02/12/23 Full Review Audience Member I think there are a few things that are clear about Jimmy Carter. 1. He is a very good human being. 2. His Presidency was marred by problems and has not been viewed in the eye of political history as a successful one. This movie looks at Carter and his Presidency through the lens of Gospel and Rock N' Roll. Through looking at the his musical influences and his love of artists like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Mahalia Jackson, and Greg Allman the film gives a good look at the "soul" of President Carter. This one is a well made documentary. Good interviews, with musicians, family, and the man himself. Terrific news and historic footage from Carter's political ascension in Georgia and beyond. The film does a good job of looking at Carter's life against the backdrop of racial segregation and prejudice Carter grew up and succeeded against. This one is worthwhile for history buffs, musics buffs, and documentary buffs. I liked it a lot. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Read all reviews
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Movie Info

Synopsis A portrait showing how Jimmy Carter's lifelong passion for music gave him an unexpected edge as a presidential candidate. Through folk, soul, gospel, jazz and rock 'n' roll, Carter tapped into a force that transcended divides.
Director
Mary Wharton
Producer
Chris Farrell, Dave Kirkpatrick
Screenwriter
Bill Flanagan
Distributor
Greenwich Entertainment
Production Co
Sim, Thunder Moccasin Pictures, Not Just Peanuts
Genre
Documentary, Music
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Sep 9, 2020, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 2, 2020
Runtime
1h 35m
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