President Jimmy Carter Helps Award Gregg Allman With Honorary Degree

Yesterday, former President Jimmy Carter spoke at the graduation commencement ceremony at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. The event included The Allman Brothers Band founding member Gregg Allman receiving an honorary doctorate of humanities from the school.

A Georgia native and member of the Mercer University Board Of Trustees, during his speech Carter spoke kindly about Allman and his band mates who together moved to Macon soon after forming in the late 1960s. The former Georgia governor told the audience:

When The Allman Brothers, back in 1976, adopted me and began to let people know around the nation that I was O.K. with them – most people said, “Well if he’s O.K. with The Allman Brothers then he must be qualified to be president of the United States.”

The former president was also on hand to help place a doctoral hood on Allman as he was given his honorary degree. Allman also performed with Scott Sharrard at a graduation event, offering up takes on “Midnight Rider” and “Sweet Melissa.” Local news outlet The Telegraph posted videos of the commencement and Gregg’s performance, watch the clips below:

[Former President Jimmy Carter Addresses Mercer Graduates]

[Mercer, President Jimmy Carter Award Gregg Allman With Honorary Degree]

[Gregg Allman Performs “Sweet Melissa” At Mercer Graduation]

[Gregg Allman Performs “Midnight Rider” At Mercer Graduation]