President Jimmy Carter remarked on his legacy in 1977: "His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture.
Presiden Jimmy Carter menyinggung warisannya pada 1977: "Musiknya dan kepribadiannya, mencampur gaya country kulit putih dan rhythm and blues kulit hitam, secara permanen mengubah wajah budaya populer Amerika.