Old Man (Live 1971)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks! The Zoo Crew is spinning Neil Young's "Old Man (Live 1971)" from his iconic Harvest album, and we've got some juicy trivia to share. This song was inspired by Louis Avila, the caretaker of Young's Broken Arrow Ranch in Northern California, which Young bought for $350,000 in 1970 when he was just 25. During a 1971 Massey Hall performance, Young recounted a conversation with Avila, who was amazed a young guy could afford such a place. Young replied, "Just lucky, Louie, just real lucky," and Avila's response, "That's the darndest thing I ever heard," sparked the song's creation. The track features James Taylor on a six-string banjo and Linda Ronstadt on backing vocals, recorded in a single session at Nashville's Quadrafonic Studios on February 6, 1971, starting at midnight and ending at dawn amid a snowy sunrise. Young shared this story in the film Heart of Gold, noting the session's magical vibe.

Another cool tidbit comes from photographer Henry Diltz, who visited Broken Arrow Ranch in 1971 with art director Gary Burden. Diltz captured iconic photos of Young and Avila chatting on the foreman's porch, later used in songbooks. He described walking the ranch, checking out Young's guitars in a barn, and Young playing a Martin guitar on a hay bale—a moment that felt like being a "fly on the wall." Some fans speculate the song might also reflect Young's relationship with his father, Scott Young, but Young clarified in his biography Shakey and during a BBC performance that it’s about Avila. The song hit #31 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 in Canada, cementing its place as one of Young's enduring classics.

Now, let’s dive into how Neil Young got his start. Born on November 12, 1945, in Toronto, Canada, Young grew up in Winnipeg, Manitoba, after his parents' divorce. Influenced by 1950s American music, he picked up a guitar as a teen, playing in bands like the Jades, Esquires, and Squires. By 1965, he was a solo artist touring Canada, and in 1966, he joined the Mynah Birds in Toronto, fronted by Rick James. After the band dissolved due to James’ arrest, Young and bassist Bruce Palmer drove a Pontiac hearse to Los Angeles, where a chance encounter with Stephen Stills and Richie Furay led to the formation of Buffalo Springfield. Their 1966 debut, blending folk, country, and rock, was a critical hit, with "For What It’s Worth" becoming an anthem. After the band split in 1968, Young signed with Reprise Records, releasing his solo debut Neil Young and later teaming with Crazy Horse for 1969’s Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere. His career took off with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and solo albums like After the Gold Rush and Harvest, establishing him as a rock legend.

Stay connected with Neil Young through his official website, where you can explore his extensive archives. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on tours, releases, and more. Fans can join the vibrant community at Thrasher’s Wheat, a fan site since 1996 offering concert reviews, album analyses, and news. You can also connect with fellow Zoo Freaks in Facebook groups like Neil Young Fans or Neil Young and Crazy Horse to share your love for Young’s music. Keep rocking, Zoo Crew!