Deep Dive: Neil Young

As the sometimes member of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, Neil Young brought his politically charged voice to the outspoken band.  Although he lives in California, Young retains Canadian citizenship.  Young’s music career includes Buffalo Springfield, Crazy Horse, CSNY, and solo versions of his music.  He is known as much for his guitar playing as his songwriting.  Young’s voice is polarizing, with listeners either loving or hating it.

Young survived childhood polio (as did Joni Mitchell).  Young obsessed over rock and roll music, such as Link Wray and the Ventures.  Often an instigator of interpersonal conflict, Young contributed much of his CSNY work separately.  Whether fueled by substance abuse or a raging ego, CSNY collaborations were volatile.