Neil Percival Young, born in Toronto, Ontario, on November 12, 1945, is a towering figure in the landscape of contemporary music. As a Canadian and American singer-songwriter, musician, film director, and screenwriter, Young has profoundly influenced generations through his distinctive guitar work, deeply personal lyrics, and signature high-tenor singing voice. Renowned for his versatility, he has seamlessly blended genres including folk, rock, country, and even earned the moniker “Godfather of Grunge” for his pioneering sound. Beyond his prolific musical career, Neil Young is equally recognized as a passionate environmental and political advocate, having co-founded initiatives like Farm Aid and the Bridge School.
Neil Young Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Neil Percival Young |
| Date of Birth | November 12, 1945 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 79 |
| Birthplace | Toronto, Ontario, Canada |
| Parents | Scott Alexander Young (father), Edna Blow Ragland “Rassy” Young (mother) |
| Siblings | Robert “Bob” Young (brother), Astrid Young (sister) |
| Spouses | Susan Acevedo (m. 1968; div. 1970) Pegi Morton (m. 1978; div. 2014) Daryl Hannah (m. 2018) |
| Partners | Carrie Snodgress (1970–1975) |
| Children | Zeke Young (with Carrie Snodgress) Ben Young (with Pegi Morton) Amber Jean Young (with Pegi Morton) |
| Citizenship | Canadian, American (dual since 2020) |
| Profession | Singer-songwriter, musician, film director, screenwriter, environmental advocate |
| Genres | Rock, Folk Rock, Country Rock |
| Years Active | 1963–present |
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $280 million |
Early Life and Education of Neil Young
Neil Percival Young was born on November 12, 1945, in Toronto, Ontario, to Scott Alexander Young, a notable journalist and sportswriter, and Edna Blow Ragland “Rassy” Young. His early childhood was spent in various locations in and near Toronto, including the small rural town of Omemee. However, his parents’ marriage faced strains, leading to their divorce in 1960. Following the separation, Young relocated to Winnipeg, Manitoba, with his mother, while his older brother, Robert “Bob” Young, remained with their father in Toronto.
Young’s early life was marked by significant health challenges, including battles with polio in 1951, which temporarily impacted his ability to walk, and ongoing struggles with epilepsy and Type 1 diabetes. Despite these ailments, his mother encouraged his burgeoning interest in music. He taught himself to play the ukulele and banjo before gravitating towards the guitar. Young’s passion for music quickly overshadowed his academic pursuits, leading him to drop out of Kelvin High School in Winnipeg to fully embrace a musical career. During these formative years in Winnipeg, he formed his first bands, including The Jades and his first stable group, The Squires. The Squires even achieved a local hit with their song “The Sultan”. This period saw Young performing in coffeehouses and local venues, where he crossed paths with other future musical icons such as Joni Mitchell and Stephen Stills, laying the groundwork for his legendary career.
Neil Young’s Career
Neil Young’s career is a testament to his unwavering artistic vision and boundless creativity, spanning over six decades and encompassing a rich tapestry of musical genres. After his early days performing in Winnipeg, Young made a pivotal move to Los Angeles in 1966. There, he reunited with Stephen Stills, and together with Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin, they formed the influential folk-rock group Buffalo Springfield. The band’s debut album in 1966 quickly gained recognition, and their single “For What It’s Worth” became a Top 10 hit, showcasing Young’s inventive songwriting and experimental approach to music.
Following the dissolution of Buffalo Springfield in 1968, Young embarked on his solo career, releasing his self-titled debut album in 1968. Shortly thereafter, he joined Crosby, Stills & Nash, forming the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY) in 1969. With CSNY, he contributed to the chart-topping 1970 album Déjà Vu and performed at the legendary Woodstock concert, solidifying his status as a major musical force.
Young’s solo work, often backed by his long-time band Crazy Horse, saw him release a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums. Landmark recordings such as Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (1969), After the Gold Rush (1970), Harvest (1972), On the Beach (1974), and Rust Never Sleeps (1979) cemented his reputation for deeply personal lyrics and raw, emotive musical expression. Harvest produced his only No. 1 hit, “Heart of Gold,” and also featured the popular “Old Man”. His often distorted electric guitar playing, particularly with Crazy Horse, earned him the nickname “Godfather of Grunge,” influencing a new generation of musicians.
Throughout the decades, Neil Young biography pages highlight his continuous exploration of musical styles, even leading to a notable lawsuit in the 1980s when Geffen Records sued him for making “uncommercial” records, a case Young ultimately won. He returned to popular consciousness in 1989 with his album Freedom and the single “Rockin’ in the Free World,” which was overtly political.
Beyond his recording and touring career, Young has also ventured into filmmaking, directing several films under the pseudonym Bernard Shakey and producing under Phil Perspective. In a significant business move in 2021, Neil Young sold a 50% stake in his worldwide publishing rights to Hipgnosis Songs Fund for an estimated $150 million, covering approximately 1,180 songs. This deal ensures ongoing royalties from his extensive music catalog, further cementing his financial legacy. As of 2025, Neil Young continues to perform, with recent activities including his “Love Earth Tour” with his band The Chrome Hearts, headlining events like BST Hyde Park in London, and releasing new music such as the single “Big Crime”.
Neil Young Personal Life & Family
Neil Young’s personal life has been as rich and evolving as his professional career. He has been married three times and has three children, with his relationships and family experiences often intertwining with his musical and philanthropic endeavors.
Young’s first marriage was to Susan Acevedo in 1968, which lasted for two years before their divorce in 1970. Following this, he was in a relationship with actress Carrie Snodgress from 1970 to 1975. Together, they welcomed their son, Zeke Young, in 1972. Zeke was born with cerebral palsy, a condition that profoundly influenced Young’s personal life and activism.
In 1978, Neil Young married singer-songwriter Pegi Morton, a partnership that spanned over three decades until their divorce in 2014. With Pegi, he had two more children: Ben Young, who also has cerebral palsy, and Amber Jean Young. The challenges of raising children with cerebral palsy spurred Neil and Pegi to co-found the Bridge School in 1986, an internationally recognized organization dedicated to educating children with severe speech and physical impairments. Pegi Young, who often performed with him and inspired some of his enduring love songs, passed away in 2019.
In 2014, following his divorce from Pegi, Neil Young began a relationship with actress and environmental activist Daryl Hannah. The couple, who connected over shared passions for music and environmental advocacy, married in 2018 in a private ceremony. Hannah became a stepmother to Young’s children, and their partnership is rooted in music, activism, and a commitment to eco-friendly living, residing on a sustainable farm. Young became a dual Canadian and American citizen in 2020, explicitly stating his desire to vote in the U.S. presidential election.
Awards and Achievements of Neil Young
Neil Young’s immense talent and influential career have been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honors. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, first in 1995 as a solo artist, and again in 1997 as a member of Buffalo Springfield. This dual induction underscores his profound impact on both individual artistry and collaborative musical endeavors.
Young has received multiple Grammy Awards from 27 nominations, including a 2010 award for Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package for the Neil Young Archives Vol. 1 (1963–1972) and a 2011 Grammy for Best Rock Song for “Angry World”. He has also garnered nine Juno Awards from 31 nominations, Canada’s premier music awards. These include his first Juno for Harvest Moon in 1994, Best Male Vocalist in 1995, Best Male Artist in 2001, and Adult Alternative Album of the Year and Artist of the Year in 2011 for Le Noise.
His significant contributions to Canadian culture have been acknowledged with his induction into the Juno Awards Hall of Fame in 1982, the Governor General’s Performing Arts Award in 1994, and the Prairie Music Hall of Fame in 2002. Young was made an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2009 and awarded the Order of Manitoba in 2006. For his humanitarian efforts, particularly co-founding the Farm Aid concert series and The Bridge School, he was honored with the Junos’ Allan Waters Humanitarian Award in 2011.
Beyond formal awards, Young’s work has been widely celebrated by critics and peers. Rolling Stone magazine has recognized his stature, ranking him No. 30 on its 2023 list of the “250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” and including him on its list of the 100 greatest musical artists. Twenty-one of his albums and singles have achieved gold or platinum certification in the U.S..
Neil Young Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Neil Young’s net worth is estimated to be $280 million. This substantial wealth reflects a career spanning over five decades, marked by consistent artistic output, strategic financial decisions, and an enduring global fanbase. His income streams are diverse and have evolved over time.
A primary source of his wealth has been decades of album sales and licensing royalties. Young has released over 40 studio albums, alongside numerous live albums and compilations. His vast back catalog continues to generate significant income from streaming services, digital downloads, and physical sales, especially vinyl. Classic albums like Harvest, After the Gold Rush, and Rust Never Sleeps, and hit songs such as “Heart of Gold,” “Old Man,” and “Rockin’ in the Free World,” are continually streamed and licensed for various media, ensuring a steady flow of royalties. It is estimated that Neil Young has sold over 75 million records worldwide.
Touring income and live performances also contribute significantly to his fortune. Young maintains a loyal fanbase that consistently buys tickets for his global tours and major festival appearances, such as his 2025 “Love Earth Tour” and headlining slot at BST Hyde Park.
A major financial move occurred in 2021 when Young sold a 50% stake in his worldwide publishing rights to Hipgnosis Songs Fund for an estimated $150 million. This deal included the rights to approximately 1,180 songs he had written, providing a substantial upfront sum and continuing income from the remaining half of his catalog.
Beyond music, Young has engaged in various business ventures and investments. He famously owned the model train company Lionel for a period. He also invested in the now-defunct Pono music service, reflecting his dedication to high-resolution audio quality. His subscription-based website, the Neil Young Archives, offers fans access to rare recordings and remastered songs, creating a direct artist-to-fan revenue model. Additionally, Neil Young’s net worth includes real estate investments, such as his iconic Broken Arrow Ranch in California, although he lost a Malibu estate in the 2018 Woolsey Fire. Young’s financial success is often seen as a reflection of his integrity, artistry, and enduring relevance, demonstrating that artistic principles can coexist with commercial value.
Legacy and Influence
Neil Young’s legacy is profound and far-reaching, establishing him as a truly unique and influential artist in modern music. His vast catalogue of work, characterized by distinctive guitar sounds, deeply personal lyrics, and his signature high-tenor singing voice, has left an indelible mark on musicians globally. He is credited with helping to define and launch two significant rock and roll subgenres: folk-rock and grunge. His willingness to experiment across folk, rock, country, and even electronic music has inspired countless artists to push creative boundaries.
Beyond his musical innovations, Young is a fervent social and environmental activist, a role that significantly shapes his public image and legacy. He co-founded Farm Aid in 1985 alongside Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp, an organization dedicated to increasing awareness and supporting family farmers, which continues to run annual benefit concerts. His commitment to environmental causes is unwavering, with his music and public statements often reflecting his concerns about climate change and corporate responsibility. He also co-founded The Bridge School, an institution vital for children with severe communication impairments, motivated by his experiences raising sons with cerebral palsy.
Young’s public image is one of unwavering integrity and uncompromising artistry. He has consistently used his platform to voice candid opinions on political and social issues, including criticisms of various U.S. presidents and corporate practices. This fierce independence, often prioritizing artistic expression and personal beliefs over commercial pressures, has earned him immense respect from fans and fellow musicians alike. His impact extends beyond music, influencing discussions on film, technology (through ventures like Pono), and broader cultural values. Neil Young’s wiki entries and biographies consistently highlight his status as an icon whose music and activism continue to resonate globally, ensuring his enduring relevance.
Interesting Facts about Neil Young
Neil Young’s long and varied career is filled with fascinating anecdotes and unique facets that highlight his eclectic personality and creative spirit.
Pseudonyms: Young has often used pseudonyms for his non-musical creative endeavors. He has directed several films under the name Bernard Shakey and worked as a record producer using the name Phil Perspective.
Literary Pursuits: In 2012, Young published his frank autobiography titled Waging Heavy Peace, offering an intimate look into his life and career.
Model Trains Enthusiast: Neil Young harbors a deep passion for model trains. At one point, he even purchased the struggling model train company Lionel, showcasing his hands-on commitment to his hobbies. He created an extensive model train layout that his son Ben could operate with a unique interface.
Dual Citizenship for a Cause: In January 2020, Young became a dual Canadian and American citizen, explicitly stating his desire to vote in the U.S. presidential election to advocate for environmental causes.
Early Health Battles: As a child, Young battled several serious health issues, including polio, epilepsy, and Type 1 diabetes. He had to relearn to walk at age five after contracting polio.
The “Ditch Trilogy”: During the mid-1970s, a period of personal turmoil, Young released three albums—Time Fades Away, On the Beach, and Tonight’s the Night—that were commercially less successful but critically revered. Fans later dubbed these the “Ditch Trilogy”.
Environmental Advocate’s Homestead: Neil Young and his wife Daryl Hannah reside on a sustainable farm in rural Canada, where they prioritize eco-friendly living practices. He also reportedly returned to a quaint cottage near Omemee, Ontario, the town where he spent part of his childhood.
Unusual Debut Song: While in The Squires, Young had a local hit with an instrumental called “The Sultan”.
Controversies
Throughout his career, Neil Young has never shied away from expressing his convictions, leading to several notable controversies. One significant instance occurred in the 1980s when his record label, Geffen Records, sued him for releasing music deemed “uncommercial”. Young, known for his experimental phase during this period, ultimately won the court case, highlighting his unwavering artistic integrity even at the expense of commercial viability.
More recently, in January 2022, Neil Young publicly protested Spotify, demanding the removal of his music from the platform due to what he considered vaccine-related misinformation broadcast on Joe Rogan‘s podcast. This highly publicized stance led to his music being temporarily removed from Spotify before eventually returning in early 2024, as Young stated his desire to reach more listeners and criticized disinformation across all streaming services. The controversy underscored his long-standing commitment to social responsibility and his willingness to use his financial leverage to advocate for his beliefs.
Young has also been consistently outspoken on political issues, often criticizing U.S. presidents and government policies. His 2006 album Living With War was a fiery condemnation of President George W. Bush and the war in Iraq, featuring the song “Let’s Impeach the President”. He has also been a vocal critic of Donald Trump, even suing him (though later dropping the lawsuit) over the use of his songs at campaign rallies and calling Trump “the worst president in the history of our great country”. In August 2025, Young debuted a new anti-Trump song titled “Big Crime”. These strong political stances have sometimes drawn both praise and criticism, but they remain a consistent part of his public persona. Furthermore, a public feud with former bandmate David Crosby dashed hopes for potential Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young reunions.
Social Media Presence
Neil Young maintains a curated online presence, primarily focusing on his official website and archives rather than traditional social media platforms. He operates the Neil Young Archives (neilyoungarchives.com), a comprehensive subscription-based website offering fans access to his extensive collection of music, videos, and personal writings. This platform serves as a direct channel for his artistic output and communications.
Regarding other platforms, as of August 2025, Neil Young has publicly disengaged from promoting content on Facebook and Instagram due to concerns over “Meta’s Use of Chatbots With Children”. This decision reflects his consistent stance on ethical issues and control over his digital presence.
His official YouTube channel, “neilyoungchannel,” has a significant following, with approximately 765K subscribers as of August 2025. This channel hosts official music videos, live performances, and content related to his archival releases.
While his content, including recent protest songs and tour updates, is frequently covered and shared across various news outlets and social media sites like Twitter (now X) by fans and media, specific follower counts for a directly managed official Neil Young account on platforms like X were not readily available in recent August 2025 searches. His team or related news entities may share updates on X, but Young himself appears to prioritize his archives and direct channels for official announcements and engagements.
Final Words about Neil Young
Neil Young, at 79 years old in 2025, continues to be a vibrant and dynamic force in music and activism, showing no signs of slowing down. His enduring legacy is one of uncompromising artistic integrity, marked by a vast and varied discography that has earned him a place in music history as one of rock and folk music’s most influential figures. His career has been a continuous exploration of genres, from the rustic folk-rock of Harvest to the raw power of his “Godfather of Grunge” sound with Crazy Horse.
Currently, Neil Young remains highly active, demonstrating his lifelong commitment to live performance. He is touring extensively with his newly assembled band, The Chrome Hearts, on the “Love Earth Tour” across Europe and North America. Recent performances in August 2025, including a headline slot at BST Hyde Park in London and shows in Toronto and Chicago, showcase his continued energy and connection with audiences. He has also recently released new music, such as the single “Big Crime,” which maintains his tradition of politically charged songwriting.
Beyond the stage and studio, Young’s dedication to environmental advocacy remains a cornerstone of his public life. His harmonious partnership with actress and activist Daryl Hannah further reinforces his commitment to eco-friendly living and shared principles. Through his ongoing musical output, archival releases, and unwavering activism, Neil Young continues to shape cultural discourse and inspire with his steadfast vision. His future plans are likely to involve more music, more touring, and continued advocacy for the causes he deeply believes in, solidifying his status as a timeless icon whose work continues to resonate and evolve.
