Ohio

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some righteous vibes as we spin "Ohio" by Neil Young from the iconic Decade compilation! This track, recorded with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, is a fiery protest anthem born from a tragic moment. In May 1970, after reading about the Kent State massacre—where Ohio National Guard troops killed four student protesters and injured nine during a Vietnam War demonstration—Neil Young was so moved that he wrote "Ohio" in under an hour. David Crosby watched him craft it, and the raw emotion hit hard: Crosby was in tears after the recording, his voice breaking in the song’s plea, “How many more?” The band nailed it in just a few takes, and Atlantic’s Ahmet Ertegun rushed it out as a single. But here’s the kicker: many AM stations refused to play it because of its bold political stance, yet it still became a rallying cry for the anti-war movement. Survivor Alan Canfora, who was shot in the wrist at Kent State, recalled hearing “Ohio” on the radio with other survivors, cementing its place as a visceral response to that day’s horror.

Another wild tidbit about “Ohio” is its lasting impact and Neil Young’s complex perspective. Young himself called it the best song he ever wrote with CSNY, including it on Decade in 1977. But he’s no one-dimensional activist—his sense of justice cuts deep and doesn’t always align with a single side. Years later, in 2001, he penned “Let’s Roll,” honoring the heroes of Flight 93, showing he’s not afraid to tackle tough topics from different angles. The song’s raw energy, paired with Young’s willingness to call out figures like Richard Nixon in “Ohio” (instead of Ohio’s governor, because Nixon was the bigger symbol), made it one of the angriest Top 40 hits ever. Critics on X have noted how the song’s urgency—written just two months after the shootings—still resonates, a testament to its lightning-in-a-bottle creation.

Now, let’s rewind to how Neil Young became the legend we’re grooving to today. Born in Toronto, Canada, on November 12, 1945, Young kicked off his musical journey as a teen, playing in high school bands like The Squires. By the early ‘60s, he was covering Shadows instrumentals and gigging around Winnipeg, soaking up folk and rock influences. In 1966, he made a bold move to Los Angeles, where he co-founded Buffalo Springfield with Stephen Stills and Richie Furay. Their folk-rock sound, blending poetic lyrics with gritty guitars, put Young on the map. After the band split in 1968, he went solo, dropping his debut album, Neil Young, and soon joined forces with Crosby, Stills, and Nash. His time with CSNY, including “Ohio” and the chart-topping Déjà Vu, skyrocketed his fame. Young’s career has spanned over 45 years, with 35 studio albums, jumping from folk to grunge to country, always backed by his unmistakable high tenor and raw guitar. He’s also a two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, inducted as a solo artist in 1995 and with Buffalo Springfield in 1997.

Zoo Crew’s got you covered with where to connect with Neil Young and his fans! Check out his official site at Neil Young Archives for the full scoop on his music and legacy. On social media, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and throwbacks. Want to vibe with fellow fans? Join the Neil Young Fans group on Facebook, where Zoo Freaks can share their love for his tunes. For even more fan-driven content, head to Thrasher’s Wheat, a dedicated fan site packed with news, reviews, and deep dives into Young’s career. Keep it locked to THE ZOO for more classic cuts and stories!