Not many artists can say they were on the CMA Board of Directors during the planning and formation of the inaugural Fan Fair which took place at Nashville's Municipal Auditorium in 1972. Even fewer can say they will have the honor of performing their mega-hits at this year's CMA Music Festival - but, Leroy Van Dyke has earned these bragging rights!
"We are proud to bring our Country Gold Tour to this year's CMA Music Fest," says Leroy Van Dyke. "In the formative years, I don't think any of us could have foreseen the magnitude to which Fan Fair (CMA Music Festival) has grown, reaching its present importance and impact on the industry. It is a phenomenon!"
If you are fortunate enough to know him, you know Leroy would never brag. It's just not in his nature. However, it should be noted that he is the only known entertainer who is also an internationally renowned licensed auctioneer. The hit song "Auctioneer" was written solely by Van Dyke while living in a squad tent during his stint in the U.S. Army. Leroy was a Special Agent, U. S. Army Counterintelligence Corps, in Korea. The debut single, in 1956, became an instant multi-million seller. In 1961, Leroy struck pay dirt again releasing his next mega hit "Walk On By." This chart topper stayed at Number One for 19 weeks and remained on the charts for an incredible total of 42 weeks. Billboard Magazine named it "the biggest country music single in recorded history" based on sales, plays, and number of weeks on the charts!
Since its modest inception a quarter of a century ago under the direction of Gladys Van Dyke, Leroy Van Dyke's Country Gold Tour, in various configurations, has been presented in 25 states and four foreign countries.
"COUNTRY GOLD TOUR" performance for the CMA Music
Festival is on Sunday, June 14 on the WSM
Durango Music Spot Stage at 1:30p (with after-show autograph party!) - here is the lineup:
Leroy Van Dyke & The Auctioneers
Steve and
Rudy Gatlin (The Gatlin Brothers)
Jim Ed Brown
Helen Cornelius
Rex Allen, Jr.
Leona Williams
Bobby Bare
Narvel Felts
Janie Fricke
Charlie Rich, Jr.
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