The Performers
Over 50 artists performed at Farm Aid in 1985. There was, of course, a heavy lean towards country artists, but rock, pop, and other genres were also represented. Among the famous names were: Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Carol King, B.B. King, Loretta Lynn, The Beach Boys, and Billy Joel. Despite the diversity of artists, the performers pulled together well.
“There was absolutely no music or generation gap between the country performers and the rock acts. Hard rock performers mingled comfortably with country groups. Young rock singers, such as the Stray Cat’s vocalist Brian Setzer, stood shoulder-to-shoulder with veteran country singers such as Merle Haggard and Hoyt Axton”. (St. Louis Dispatch Sept. 24 1985)
The concert also saw many collaborations; Bob Dylan with Tom Petty, Billy Joel with Daryl Hall and Bonnie Raitt, and Sammy Hagar with Eddie Van Halen to name a few. For fourteen hours 80,000 people packed into Memorial Stadium to enjoy this incredible lineup. It was undoubtedly an unforgettable experience for any music fans lucky enough to make it to Champaign for the first Farm Aid.
Subsequent Farm Aid concerts kept this spirit; many of the original artists were invited back, with founders John Mellencamp, Neil Young, and Willie Nelson as staples. However, each year also saw new performers, ranging from Ringo Starr to Jason Mraz. Although 1985 featured the largest lineup, Farm Aid continues to feature a diverse set of prominent artists each year.
Prominent actors like Debra Winger and Sissy Spacek were featured as well. These photographs of Winger were taken by photographer Dennis Garrells shortly after she spoke to the assembled crowd of concertgoers.