I first heard of Neil Young in 1972. I was 12 or 13, on a school bus bound for Marco Forster Junior High School in San Juan Capistrano, California. “Heart of Gold” was getting heavy rotation at that moment when I first heard it. I remember squinting my eyes — not to see something in the outside world, but rather to see something inside myself! I remember reacting, thinking, “this guy can’t sing,” but something inside myself was awakened. I was intrigued. And from then on, fascinated. I am still a devoted follower all these years gone by. There are some albums I don’t care much for, but he keeps churning them out no matter what anyone cares or says. To thine own self be true I guess! I can’t think of any other musician with such an admirable stubborn streak. Except Dylan I suppose. Neil is a real example of artistic integrity — not that I think he cares much about being an example.
Thanks Neil for making music that helped me through!
Bill Pfiefle with Wesley Amundsen in 2014