Sedalia, Mo. – The State of Missouri has just unveiled the Leroy Van Dyke Highway sign last weekend. The momentous occasion took place in Sedalia, Missouri, at an event held at the Liberty Center. Missouri’s most elite dignitaries were on-hand for the event, including Missouri State Rep. Steve Cookson, Rep. Nathan Beard, Rep. Dean Dohrman, Lt. Gov. Mike Parson and Mayor Steve Galliher. The highway pays tribute to country legend Leroy Van Dyke, who is a Missouri native, currently residing in Pettis County. The named highway is a portion of 50 Highway, west of the intersection of Highways 50 and 65 in Sedalia.
“This is a humbling event and my thanks to all who made it possible” said Van Dyke.”I’ve always been proud of Sedalia, and always will be.”
Known for his unique, unmistakable music that captivated audiences upon entering the music scene in the mid-1950s, Van Dyke has recorded some of the biggest songs of all-time. After launching his debut single “The Auctioneer,” the chart-topper quickly became a staple in the country music genre. This year also marks the 55th Anniversary of the worldwide smash, “Walk on By,” which has withstood the test of time, recently being named Billboard’s No. 2 Greatest All-Time Country Songs, based on sales, number of plays and number of weeks in the charts.
The hit maker has no plans for slowing down any time soon, with more upcoming appearances of The Leroy Van Dyke Country Gold Tour. Bringing traditional country music to fans all over the world, the one-of-a-kind show, by definition is a classic country music show, featuring artists who have had million sellers, or many top ten recordings, or massive television exposure. Leroy opens the show, then emcees the event as his seven-piece band backs the rest of the presentation. Upcoming shows later this year will include country legends like Van Dyke, in addition Jimmy Fortune, Rex Allen Jr., T.G. Sheppard, Steve & Rudy Gatlin, Bobby Bare, T. Graham Brown, Barbara Fairchild, David Frizzell, Moe Bandy, and more (lineup changes venue to venue).
Upcoming Country Gold Tour Dates:
June 01 – Corsicana, Texas – Palace Theater (featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Bobby Bare, Melissa Luman, Dallas Wayne)
June 03 – Carthage, Texas – Carthage Civic Center (featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Bobby Bare, Melissa Luman, Tony Booth, Dallas Wayne, Jake Penrod)
June 25 – Jefferson, Iowa – Wild Rose Casino & Resort (featuring Leroy Van Dyke, T. Graham Brown, Mandy Barnett, TG Sheppard and Jimmy Fortune
July 13 – Rhinelander, Wisconsin – Hodag Country Festival (featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Jana Jae, Rex Allen Jr., Steve & Rudy Gatlin, Helen Cornelius, T.G. Sheppard)
July 15 – Colby, Kansas – Colby Community Center – KXXX 70th Anniversary (featuring Leroy Van Dyke, T.G. Sheppard, Steve & Rudy Gatlin, David Frizzell)
August 31 – Mt. Pleasant, Iowa – Old Threshers Reunion (featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Rex Allen Jr, Moe Bandy, David Frizzell)
September 02 – Clinton, Arkansas – Chuckwagon Races (featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Becky Hobbs, David Frizzell, Darrell McCall)
September 17 – Lancaster, Pa. – American Music Theatre (featuring Leroy Van Dyke, Marty Haggard, Barbara Fairchild, the Malpass Brothers, Gary Morris and Rex Allen Jr.)
October 28 – Shipshewana, Indiana – Shipshewana Event Center (featuring Leroy Van Dyke, David Frizzell, Lacy J. Dalton, Bobby Bare)
Other dates are pending.
*(View all artists available for inclusion HERE)