In January 1977, there was a special concert held at the Kennedy Center before President Jimmy Carter‘s inauguration. James Lipton was the producer, but Carter supplied the theme for the concert: the “beautiful new spirit in this country.” Lipton went about designing the New Spirit Inaugural Concert without politics in mind, providing only entertainment and togetherness.
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According to a report from The Washington Post at the time, Carter didn’t insist on any artists. He had no stipulations or requests. The Inaugural Committee had a few rules—there should be no “political considerations,” and the night should be devoted to “lighthearted entertainment” celebrating the “country, the people, and variety of our arts.”
The show was two and a half hours and included comedy, music, poetry, movie stars, and modern dance, according to the report. Chevy Chase, Red Foxx, and Freddie Prinze were in attendance and wrote their own material. The performers were chosen to capture the “variety of arts” in the U.S., said Lipton.
Jimmy Carter’s New Spirit Inaugural Concert Went Off Without a Hitch in 1977
Leonard Bernstein premiered new material, selections from a 14-part piece dedicated to First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Paul Simon, Johnny Cash, and Stevie Wonder also performed. Movie stars John Wayne, Bette Davis, Paul Newman, Sidney Poitier, and Joanne Woodward were featured as well.
Overall, the New Spirit Inaugural Concert succeeded in doing exactly what it set out to do—bring a new spirit to the U.S. government. There was a sense of humor and lightheartedness to the evening where before things were usually staunchly serious. Paul Newman took the stage to bring attention to the joy of the evening, while Joanne Woodward suggested that the night was developed “to celebrate a country, its spirit, and its art,” according to a report from The New York Times from 1977.
Linda Ronstadt performed that night as well, and the first half of the show concluded with Aretha Franklin leading the entire audience in a rendition of “God Bless America.” At the time, the New Spirit Inaugural Concert represented a new kind of attitude toward government gatherings. It offered celebration and joy in place of a dour and serious affair. In honor of Jimmy Carter, we recall his approach to government and his love of music with fondness.
Featured Image by Universal History Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
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