Heart of Gold

The Zoo Crew is spinning Neil Young’s iconic “Heart of Gold” from the Harvest album, a track that resonates deeply with the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, Young’s only U.S. No. 1 single, was recorded in February 1971 at Quadrafonic Sound Studios in Nashville during a serendipitous session. Young was in town for a Johnny Cash Show appearance, and producer Elliot Mazer seized the moment to assemble a band, including drummer Kenny Buttrey from Area Code 615, guitarist Teddy Irwin, bassist Tim Drummond, and pedal steel player Ben Keith, who arrived late and jumped right into recording without even knowing Young’s name. The session’s magic came together quickly, with Linda Ronstadt and James Taylor, also in Nashville for the Cash show, adding backup vocals. Ronstadt recalled kneeling on a couch to match Taylor’s height, singing high harmonies until dawn, a grueling but joyful experience that captured the song’s raw essence.

Young wrote “Heart of Gold” during a challenging time, sidelined by a back injury that forced him to switch from electric to acoustic guitar, which he could play seated. The song’s introspective lyrics, inspired by his budding romance with actress Carrie Snodgress, reflect a search for love and authenticity, with lines like “I’ve been a miner for a heart of gold.” Young later noted in his 1977 compilation Decade that the song’s massive success “put me in the middle of the road,” prompting him to veer toward the “ditch” for a rawer sound in later works. Interestingly, Bob Dylan once expressed frustration with the song, telling Rolling Stone in 1985 that its Dylanesque harmonica and style felt too close to his own, saying, “If it sounds like me, it should as well be me.” Despite this, the song’s universal appeal led to covers by artists like Johnny Cash, Tori Amos, and even a 2018 version by Midnight Shine incorporating Mushkegowuk Cree.

Neil Young, born November 12, 1945, in Toronto, Canada, began his musical journey in the early 1960s, playing in high school bands like The Squires in Winnipeg. His early love for music was sparked by his parents’ eclectic record collection and his father’s gift of an Arthur Godfrey ukulele at age seven. By 1960, Young was performing Shadows-style instrumentals in Canada, honing his distinctive guitar sound. In 1966, he moved to Los Angeles, co-founding Buffalo Springfield with Stephen Stills and Richie Furay, blending folk, rock, and country. The band’s short but influential run produced hits like “For What It’s Worth” before disbanding in 1968. Young’s solo career took off with his 1968 debut album, followed by a stint with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in 1969, cementing his status as a folk-rock pioneer. His restless creativity and refusal to be pigeonholed led to a prolific career spanning over 40 albums, influencing genres from grunge to punk.

Fans can connect with Neil Young through his official website, Neil Young Archives, a treasure trove of his music, films, and writings. His social media presence includes Facebook, Instagram, and X, where he shares updates and reflections. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities thrive online, such as the Thrasher’s Wheat website, which offers detailed Neil Young news, trivia, and tour stats. The Neil Young Fans Facebook group is a vibrant space for devotees to share stories, setlists, and memories, keeping the spirit of Young’s music alive for new and longtime listeners alike.