Leroy Van Dyke

Leroy Van Dyke (born Leroy Frank Van Dyke, October 4, 1929 in Sedalia, Missouri) is billed as "The world's most famous auctioneer". He was catapulted into fame by his hit, semi-autobiographical, country music song, "The Auctioneer", in 1956 and has been a renowned auctioneer and entertainer since. "The Auctioneer", which sold over two and a half million copies, was followed by the 1967 movie, What Am I Bid, in which Van Dyke played himself as an auctioneer. His next hit song, "Walk on By", reached number one on the Billboard Country Music Chart in 1961, and remained on the charts for 37 weeks. In 1994 Billboard Magazine designated "Walk on By" as the No.1 country song in chart history. Van Dyke had one more major hit song, "If a Woman Answers (Hang up the Phone)", that reached No.3 on the country chart in 1962, as well as having a brief presence in the UK Singles Chart the same year with "Big Man in a Big House". Van Dyke's final two minor country successes were "Happy To Be Unhappy" and "Night People" (both in 1964). He also co-hosted a radio show called Country Crossroads with Bill Mack and Jerry Clower for a number of years. This show was produced and distributed by the Southern Baptist Convention. Leroy Van Dyke continues as an auctioneer, musician and motivational speaker, although he has largely retired to his home state.