This unedited footage, taped by Dallas-based director Jim Ruddy for “Entertainment Tonight,” captures scenes of a press conference for the 1992 Farm Aid concert held at Texas Stadium in Irving, put on by Willie Nelson, to promote, preserve, and fund the homegrown American farmer. The press conference begins with a brief introduction by David Senter, a representative of the American Agriculture Movement, who thanks, on behalf of the small homegrown farmer, Willie Nelson and the organizers of Farm Aid for their support, as well as Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for the use of the stadium. After Senter speaks, Willie Nelson gives a statement about the importance of Farm Aid, then Neil Young gives his two cents on America’s power dynamic in international agriculture by saying, “it’s a bunch of crap, as far as I’m concerned!” Tracy Chapman, a newcomer to Farm Aid that year, also speaks about the concerns of the African-American farmer, and Kris Kristofferson finishes the press conference with words of wisdom about the strong ability of the American farmer. After the press conference, Willie Nelson is seen singing on stage with his band and Kristofferson.
Willie Nelson was born in Abbot, Texas on April 29, 1933. He is a world renowned country music singer and musician, as well as an actor, activist, and author. His most famous country albums include Shotgun Willie (1973), Red Headed Stranger (1975) and Stardust (1978). Nelson popularized the “outlaw country” subgenre along with Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings, and has written some of the most famous country music songs recorded, including Patsy Cline’s “Crazy,” which he wrote at the ripe age of 19, “On the Road Again,” and “Pancho and Lefty.” His primary musical collaboration is with Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Jennings, performing as the Highwaymen, among many others. Nelson was named the honorary chairman of the advisory board of the official music charity of the state of Texas, the Texas Music Project, for his philanthropic work in and outside the music community. He was also inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1993 and received a 1998 Kennedy Center Honor.
Nelson has also advocated for marijuana legalization, biodiesel alternative fuel, and is a supporter of democratic campaigns, such as Dennis Kuchinich’s 2004 run. He also founded the annual fundraiser Farm Aid, which benefits the local, American, small farmer, and has featured multitudes of musicians of different genres.
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