JEFFERSON CITY — State Senator Mike Parson, R-Bolivar, wishes to salute Country Music Legend Leroy Van Dyke, who was honored today by the Missouri General Assembly.
Members of the legislature took time to honor the Missouri native in the House and Senate chambers. Mr. Van Dyke was presented with resolutions in recognition for 60 years of excellence in the music business.
“It’s truly an honor to meet and recognize one of Missouri’s finest citizens and a national treasure,” said Parson, R-Bolivar. “Mr. Van Dyke graduated from the agricultural journalism program at MU over half a century ago; we are so glad he gave up that business for country music. At age 86, he’s still one of Missouri’s best entertainers.”
Leroy Van Dyke, was born in Mora, Missouri, in 1929, currently lives on a ranch near Sedalia. He first achieved country music fame in 1956 with his hit song, “The Auctioneer,” which sold more than 2.5 million records. Van Dyke was also famous for his song, “Walk on By,” which was named by Billboard Magazine in 1994 as the biggest country music single of all time.
During his life Mr. Van Dyke recorded more than 500 songs and was made a member of the Grand Ole Opry. His many accolades include being called the Country Music Singer of the Decade for the 1960s by music industry experts and induction into the North American Country Music Association, International, Hall of Fame. He also served his country in Korea as a special agent with the U.S. Army Counter-Intelligence Corps.
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