The Bob Dylan Remark That Sparked Farm Aid’s 40-Year Legacy

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In 1985, Ethiopia’s famine inspired Bob Geldof to form Band Aid, creating “Do They Know It’s Christmas” and sparking global pop philanthropy.  

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Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson built on Band Aid’s momentum with USA for Africa, raising millions through “We Are The World” and paving way for Live Aid.  

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During Live Aid, Bob Dylan suggested allocating funds to help struggling U.S. farmers pay mortgages, drawing attention to America’s agricultural crisis. 

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Falling farm prices and repossessions fueled record farmer suicides, and Dylan’s words deeply moved Willie Nelson, who watched from his tour bus.  

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Nelson teamed with Neil Young and John Cougar Mellencamp, securing Illinois’ stadium for Farm Aid, debuting just 10 weeks after Dylan’s Live Aid remark.  

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Farm Aid raised $20M in its first show, evolving into 40 years of festivals with over 500 artists, mixing patriotism, protest, and legendary performances.  

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