"In 1985, Bob Dylan performed at Live Aid. During his set, he talked about the struggles that American farmers face, such as high interest rates and unstable land prices. Nelson was inspired by Dylan's words and got his pals Neil Young and John Mellencamp together to put on their own benefit show: Farm Aid. The first concert took place just six weeks after Dylan's call to arms on September 22, 1985, in Champaign, Illinois, and raised over $7 million for family farmers."
"Fast-forward to 2025 and the performer roster has some similarities to that first event. Nelson, Young, Mellencamp, and Dylan are still dedicated to the cause. None more than Nelson, who has performed at every concert and is a driving force behind the organization. These seasoned veterans will be joined by Dave Matthews, Tim Reynolds, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd, Madeline Edwards, Trampled by Turtles, and more."
Willie Nelson grew up avoiding cotton-picking by playing in Texas dance halls and valued the family farm. Bob Dylan’s 1985 Live Aid remarks about high interest rates and unstable land prices prompted Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp to found Farm Aid six weeks later. The inaugural concert on September 22, 1985, in Champaign, Illinois, raised over $7 million and featured Dylan, B.B. King, Billy Joel, and Loretta Lynn. Nelson has performed at every Farm Aid and remains a driving force. Farm Aid 2025 features veteran founders alongside Dave Matthews, Tim Reynolds, Kenny Chesney, Wynonna Judd, Madeline Edwards, and Trampled by Turtles in Minneapolis.
Read at Fast Company
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