Farm Aid first took the stage 28 years ago today, in Champaign, Illinois. During a year famous for raising funds through music, via Live Aid and We Are the World campaigns, Farm Aid was organized to help American Farmers. According to the History Channel’s website, Bob Dylan first thought of the concept during Live Aid. Willie Nelson, Neil Young and John Mellencamp developed the idea into a hugely successful series of concerts. In addition to the organizers, the premier concert featured diverse artists including: Bob Dylan, Hoyt Axton, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Joni Mitchell, Charley Pride, and Sammy Hagar (History.com).
To be honest, I didn’t watch this initial concert. Being a total New-Waver, I had a rather strict code to uphold. However, I did make a donation to support the cause. According to FarmAid.com, this first concert raised more than $9 million. Since then, the annual concerts and related efforts have raised over $43 million towards their mission to keep family farmers on their land. Wikipedia offers a year-by-year list of performers, from the 1985 concert through the 2013 concert held September 21st in Saratoga Springs, New York. Visit Farm Aid’s website to learn more about their history and future plans, watch videos, shop for concert gear, or make a donation.
Related articles
- At food-filled Farm Aid, music isn’t only focus (kansascity.com)
- Farm Aid {beyond the music} (timesunion.com)
- Farm Aid 2013 Concertgoers Entertained, Educated (webpronews.com)
80s 4ever! 