The Auctioneer – Leroy Van Dyke
Leroy Frank Van Dyke (born October 4, 1929) is an American country music singer best known for his hits, “The Auctioneer” (1956) and “Walk On By” (1961).Van Dyke was born in Mora, Missouri. He lived in Spencer, Wisconsin but graduated from the University of Missouri majoring in agricultural journalism.He was catapulted into country music fame in 1956 with his composition “Auctioneer”, (co-written with Buddy Black) which sold over 2.5 million records. He wrote the song about the life of his cousin, National Auctioneers Association Hall of Famer Ray Sims, also a Missourian. Van Dyke had the lead role of a budding country music performer in the 1967 movie What Am I Bid?, in which Sims played himself as an auctioneer. What did you think? Please leave a comment in the section below and remember to share the video and sign up for our free newsletter!
October 3, 2020 @ 9:45 pm
I was very involved in the purebred Angus business in the 1970’s and 80’s and attended many sales, and worked as ring man several times, when Ray Sims was the auctioneer. He was a true professional and it was true that he had to buy a plane just to be able to work all the sales he was asked to auctioneer. I had the pleasure to meet Leroy at the National Western Livestock Show in Denver one year. He was a great guy and was just one of the boys as we enjoyed some cocktails one evening.
October 3, 2020 @ 3:00 pm
Long long time no hear, from an 85 year old youngster. Thanks.
October 3, 2020 @ 10:09 am
How well I remember that song! It was the first 45 RPM record I ever bought…for about 50 cents at the local A & P Store around 1956/57! Fun to hear it again (And now ‘vinyl’ is back!)
October 2, 2020 @ 7:16 pm
That was amazing. Have not heard that song for many years. Thank you for sharing such great memories of a great song and singer. God Bless.