Music History for March 11 - Neil Young

On this day in 1972, Neil Young had the #1 album in the U.S. and the U.K. with Harvest. It went on to become the best-selling album of the year in this country. Harvest produced two hit singles, “Old Man” and “Heart of Gold,” which reached #1 on the singles chart the following week. “Heart of Gold” remains Young’s only #1 single in his more than 40 year musical career.

Harvest featured a long list of guest artists, including James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, his former CSNY band mates and the London Symphony Orchestra.

Harvest was Neil’s first release since his departure from the super group Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. The album’s success reportedly caught Neil off guard and he reportedly considered retiring from music all together.

Neil Young is among the 15-or so artists who have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame more than once, including the members of The Beatles (except for Ringo!), Paul Simon, Jimmy Page and Michael Jackson.

Neil was inducted first in 1995 for his solo work and again in 1997 with Buffalo Springfield.