Ever since its founding in 1985, Farm Aid has become an annual staple music event. Created by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp, Bob Dylan inspired the founders with his idea to raise money for farmers across the world. And it’s been doing just that since 1985 as the organization has raised $80 million according to Farm Aid.
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The money raised to help family farms across the world wouldn’t be possible if it wasn’t for the organizers, donators, and musicians who play at the show. Some of the past acts include Billy Joel, Loretta Lynn, Tom Petty, Bonnie Raitt, and countless others. The decorated history of Farm Aid continued this year as the organization celebrated its 39th show on September 21, 2024. Here are the top three moments from this year’s event.
1. Willie Nelson’s Cover of “Last Leaf”
It’s appropriate that one of the founders of this event tops our list. Per usual at a Farm Aid show, Nelson, alongside his sons Lukas and Micah, gave an invigorated performance for a mission he’s cared about for decades. In addition to performing hits “Whiskey River” and “Always on My Mind,” the performance that stole the show was his cover of Tom Waits’ “Last Leaf.”
The Waits song is a testament to the everlasting presence of nature, and that no matter what man does to it, it will always prevail in some fashion. Given the appropriateness of this tune, when Nelson sang it fans were reaffirmed of their values and Farm Aid’s intention. To save the Earth and farms across the world.
2. Nathaniel Rateliff’s Protest Piece
Since making his Farm Aid debut in 2016, the Missouri native has been a long-time supporter of the organization. He reminded the public of this fact recently, as he gave a personal protest anecdote about the harms of corporate farming. While wearing a T-shirt that said “Stop Factory Farms,” Rateliff told a story about farmers who lost their farms and were then forced to work in a plastic factory.
In essence, Rateliff’s testimony and T-shirt put the meaning of the event into perspective. Coming from a farming town himself, Rateliff offered the perfect perspective for the Farm Aid concert and seemingly incited agency among the fans in attendance. Watch part of his performance below.
3. Neil Young’s Performance and Comments
Neil Young is always known for speaking his piece, and he did just that at the press conference before his show. Young told reporters at the conference that, “We’re fighting for our lives.” He closed out the thought by saying, “The American farmer is fighting for your life and the life of the earth.” In Young fashion, he followed his impassioned comments with an impassioned show.
Young started off his set by playing a mellow acoustic rendition of “Harvest Moon.” However, he boosted the show’s energy when he went electric and played hits “Homegrown” and “Powderfinger.” Young provided the fans of Farm Aid with the best of both worlds—great music and empowering ideals.
Photo by Gary Miller/Getty Images
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