Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was known not only for his political achievements but also for his love for music and the artists he enjoyed. Among these was the aged singer and guitarist Willie Nelson.
This takes us back to four decades ago, during the presidency of Jimmy Carter, when Willie Nelson was found to be smoking weed with the President’s son, Chip, on the roof of the White House. Before the incident, both Willie Nelson and songwriter Hank Cochran were on a tour in the Bahamas when he was found with a small amount of marijuana in the pocket of his jeans, which landed him in a Bahamian jail.
Jimmy Carter’s odd friendship with Willie Nelson
Regardless of the humiliating situation, Willie Nelson remained calm and even took six packs of beer that Hank Cochran brought during a visit. Eventually, he was bailed out, but with the unusual condition that he never returned to the Bahamas.
When recalling this incident, Willie Nelson shared, “‘We’re letting your client go on one condition,’ said the judge. ‘He’s never to return to the Bahamas.’ ‘Deal,’ I blurted out before the attorney had a chance to speak. And that was it.” After his release, Willie Nelson tumbled in excitement and broke his leg, but this did not hinder his invitation to the White House.
Some days later, Willie arrived at the White House at the call of President Carter to perform for the First Family and their guests. Jimmy Carter showed his support for him in a statement, “I’m glad everything turned out well for you in the Bahamas.”
However, the subject of controversy happened later that night, with Jimmy Carter’s son, Chip, as they both smoked weed on the roof of the White House.
Despite the controversies surrounding his presidency, Jimmy Carter’s love for music was not a secret. He became friends with music legends like Bob Dylan, Sonny Bono, Garth Brooks, and others. In his 2020 documentary, Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President, he expressed his love for music and the special relationship he has with his friends.