Watch Darius Rucker and Kris Kristofferson Duet at the White House in Throwback Performance For the President

In November 2011, Darius Rucker and Kris Kristofferson took to the East Room at the White House. They played a classic duet during In Performance at the White House, which aired on PBS at the time. Check out the performance at timestamps 11:30 to 15:30. The two were part of a handful of performances for President Barack Obama and White House dignitaries and insiders.

This episode of the long-airing program featured additional performances from James Taylor and Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss, Dierks Bentley, Lauren Alaina, and the Band Perry. The showcase shone a spotlight on the particular Americana storytelling of country and bluegrass music. It was designed to show off the diversity in writing and artistry.

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Rucker and Kristofferson performed the Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard classic “Pancho and Lefty.” The old-school duet is a favorite of many that was originally by Townes Van Zandt. During the performance, Rucker and Kristofferson played off each other well, showing off their chemistry. Rucker showed a particular enthusiasm at performing with Kris Kristofferson. The latter is often considered one of the best songwriters of all time. The two looked relaxed and played easily together, and shared a handshake and a hug at the end of the song.

[RELATED: The War & Treaty, Chuck Leavell, and More to Perform at Jimmy Carter’s 100th Birthday Celebration]

Former President Jimmy Carter Turns 100: Star-Studded Celebration Planned

Speaking of former presidents, Jimmy Carter is turning 100 years old on October 1. The Carter Center is throwing him a musical birthday celebration in Atlanta, Georgia for the occasion. The celebration takes place on September 17 at the Fox Theatre and will highlight Carter’s long-held love of music.

The War and Treaty, Maren Morris, Drive-By Truckers, Chuck Leavell of the Allman Brothers Band, Eric Church, GROUPLOVE, and D-Nice are slated to perform. Additionally, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus will take the stage as well. Friends and admirers of Carter’s will also make appearances, including Sean Penn, Killer Mike, and Dale Murphy.

“Whether it was on his record player, on the campaign trail, or on the White House lawn, music has been — and continues to be — a source of joy, comfort, and inspiration for my grandfather,” said Jason Carter, grandson of the former president and chair of The Carter Center Board of Trustees, in a statement. The birthday concert will be a celebration of Carter’s life and love of music, and tickets are $100 in honor of the milestone.

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