Farm Aid 1985 | The Day Music Rallied for America’s Farmers

Music Related | 22nd Sept, 2025 theBeat.ie

Back in September 1985, Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, turned into something pretty special. Nearly 80,000 people showed up for the very first Farm Aid, a marathon concert that mixed incredible music with a powerful message: America’s family farmers needed help and fast.

The spark came during Live Aid that summer, when Bob Dylan mentioned onstage that some of the money could go to U.S. farmers struggling to hold onto their land. That offhand comment hit home for Willie Nelson. He called up John Mellencamp and Neil Young, and together they dreamed up a benefit concert just for farmers. Within weeks, Farm Aid was on the calendar.

Willie, John, and Neil weren’t just the organizers, they also performed, along with a who’s who of music in the ’80s. We’re talking:

• Bob Dylan
• Johnny & June Carter Cash
• B.B. King
• Loretta Lynn
• Billy Joel
• Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
• Bonnie Raitt
• Kris Kristofferson
• Roy Orbison
• Waylon Jennings
• The Charlie Daniels Band

And that’s just scratching the surface, more than 50 acts hit the stage!

On a sunny Midwestern day, thousands of fans sprawled out on the stadium field, and a lineup that kept the music rolling from morning to night. Even folks who couldn’t make it in person tuned in via TV or radio, so it felt like the whole country was part of it.

Farm Aid ’85 raised more than $9 million to help farmers stay on their land. Even more importantly, it kickstarted an organization that’s still fighting for family farmers today. All because a few musicians decided to turn a good idea into an unforgettable day.

Photo Credit: theBeat.ie