(NewsNation) — Former Allman Brothers Band member Chuck Leavell, who has been the Rolling Stones’ principal touring keyboardist since the 1980s, shared fond memories of the longest-living president‘s musical passion and genuine kindness on “NewsNation Now.”
He described first meeting Jimmy Carter in 1973 when the future president was still Georgia’s governor.
While Leavell and his bandmates expected Carter’s gubernatorial visit to be nothing more than a quick photo-op, Carter sat with them for two hours, asking “really great questions about the state of the music business in Georgia.”
“He was such a likable human being. He really was, you know, when you were in his presence, he made you feel comfortable. He was a great listener,” Leavell added, describing Carter as someone who had more than “just a casual love of music.”
Former President Jimmy Carter is not dead, despite fraudulent reports 
Georgia State Sen. Jimmy Carter hugs his wife, Rosalynn, at his Atlanta campaign headquaters September 15, 1966 after making a strong showing in Wednesday’s primary election, September 14, 1966, in the race for the Democratic nomination for governor of Georgia. In late returns, Carter and businessman Lester Maddox were in a tight race for the runoff spot against former Gov. Ellis Arnall for the Democratic nomination. (AP Photo) 
FILE – Former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday School class at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown, Aug. 23, 2015, in Plains, Ga. In the year since Jimmy Carter first entered home hospice care, the 39th president has celebrated his 99th birthday, enjoyed tributes to his legacy and outlived his wife of 77 years. Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023 after suffering from dementia, spent just a few days under hospice. (AP Photo/David Goldman, File) 
Visitors pass a portrait of President Jimmy Carter during a celebration of his 99th birthday held at The Carter Center in Atlanta on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Ben Gray)
A lifetime friend of Carter’s, Leavell performed at “Carter 100: A Celebration in Song,” which honored the longest-living president’s centennial birthday bash.
Carter passed away in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, on Sunday, Dec. 29, the Carter Center confirmed.
He is survived by his four children, 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter, preceded him in death on Nov. 19, 2023.