On July 18, 1978, the late President Jimmy Carter hosted one of the biggest jazz festivals at the White House!
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The 1978 White House Jazz Festival, hosted by President Jimmy Carter, featured many jazz greats, including:
- Eubie Blake: A 90-year-old pianist
- Max Roach: A bebop icon and percussionist
- Sonny Rollins: A bebop icon
- Chick Corea: A fusion innovator
- Herbie Hancock: A fusion innovator
- Ornette Coleman: An avant-garde player
- Roy Eldridge: A jazz great
- George Benson: A jazz great
- Dizzy Gillespie: A trumpeter and one of the greatest jazz musicians in American history
The festival was held on June 18, 1978 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Newport Jazz Festival. The event was organized by Carter's office and George Wein, the founder of the Newport Jazz Festival.
The festival also featured an iconic moment when President Carter consoled Charles Mingus, a bassist and composer who was unable to perform due to ALS. Mingus was given a standing ovation in recognition of his achievements.
Below, George Benson gifts President Carter one of his signature guitars.
Here's the playlist for my show:
