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IAC Prime Member
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Neil w Young
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4/16/2022 5:21:15 PM
Another fork in the road
On behalf of the talented members of my Legendary Bear Creek Band, The Hot Rod Stars band, and the many studio musicians through all the years, including my time here for the last fifteen or more years, who took my songs from success to success including 5 Golden Kayak awards on the site in addition to #1 countless times on numerous charts not only at IAC / IMP but also on the CASHBOX Magazine Country chart as well as other music charts in the U.S. and the U.K., I would like to express my thanks and appreciation to station managers and to those fellow members who nominated and voted for me and my songs from time to time in the Golden Kayak Awards, and to the many other members whose friendship and support have played a meaningful role not only during my years on the site but also in my life in one way or another.
Given the investment I made in the site more than ten years ago and my intended mission, vision, and greatest wish at the time for the site and for the members and shareholders which was to have played a role in seeing the site fulfill the potential that I once believed was attainable, that it was not reached is more than regrettable to say the least.
Regrettably too, this is not the same site that I joined years ago in which I invested heavily and acquired a majority interest. Be that as it may, I would like to think that the seed for the vision that I had regarding the potential for the site remains intact somewhere in these halls and that at some point the opportunity for a greater future for the site may yet unfold.
For me though, and in the words of John Denver, ‘my bags are packed and I’m ready to go’ … I have deactivated my ‘one-of-a-kind’ Legendary stations, have removed my videos and have deactivated all but my five Golden Kayak award songs from my artists page, and although I’m not leaving on a jet plane, I see the remainder of my journey continuing somewhat in the words of the legendary Robbie Robertson of The Band fame – a neighbour of sorts who hailed from the Six Nations of the Grand River near the neck of the woods where I grew up on the farm around the same time as did Robbie, and as did Rick Danko who like Robbie was also a member of The Band and who lived just outside of the town where early in my journey I joined my dad in the John Deere dealership that he had started in 1950. It doesn’t get much more Country than that … just saying.
One of my five Golden Kayaks resulted from my cover of “Hey Boba Lou” - a song Robbie wrote at the time when he was a driving force and member of Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks. The song was on Ronnie’s 1959 album, ‘Mr. Dynamo’. I still have that album as I do all of my albums from the mid 1950s and on.
Interestingly too, my first mentor of the guitar, Gerry Risser, played in a band in London, Ontario with Garth Hudson who also was a member of The Band.
In any event, and with the greatest respect to Robbie, ‘If you follow the sound of a jukebox … you will find me somewhere down the crazy river’ … literally, as the Grand River runs through the small town where I live and where my 1956 Wurlitzer jukebox still plays and sounds just as good as it did back in the day. As for Robbie, it was a special day for me to be present at the October 14, 2017 ceremony at the community centre in Oshweken, Ontario, when he was awarded the first Six Nations Lifetime Achievement Award.
Perhaps this has been TMI for the rank and file of members still longing for better days for the site, however I felt it important to close this chapter of my life with giving thanks and sincere appreciation to the friends I have made here and for their valued support of my music.
I remain forever thankful and grateful for the part music had played in my life for it has been both my guiding light as well as my saving light for as long as I can remember, and at the age of 80 that’s a long time. That said, I still have much to do, more music to make and more projects waiting to be completed in the days and hopefully years ahead.
January of this year turned out to be an inspirational month for me not only it being the month I turned 80, but more so on being featured with a full page picture from one of my photo shoots on the cover of a local magazine with more pictures on the 4-page article on the inside pages covering my multi-focused entrepreneurial career in real estate development, management and investment as well as other ventures, and particularly of my life as a singer, songwriter and author, including the very personal hand-written letter I received in 1986 from Harriet Nelson – Rick Nelson’s mother, following Rick’s tragic death along with his fiancé and members of his band in a plane crash in Texas December 31, 1995. Topping off the article, the editor made reference to my involvement at George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch ‘Lucas Film Studio’ in California during the editing of the 2003 documentary film, 'Piaf: Her Story, Her Songs', about the life of France’s national chanteuse Edith Piaf, in which film I received a credit as Special Consultant. Mention was also made in the article of my fight in July of last year on one of the only two remaining airworthy WW II Lancaster bombers.
I am fortunate to have had a long, varied and by and large successful life during which my music in one way or another has always played a part. During my journey I have been privileged to rub shoulders, meet and walk in the shadow of many of the legends of my time.
The door has opened recently to more paths for me to take and make. As long as my heath holds, and with the support of my family and many friends, who knows where they may yet lead.
Whatever and wherever your place in the world of music, be proud of the part you play. The halls that you share along the way are crowded with legends each in their own way and time. You have earned the privilege to walk in the shadow of those legends, no matter how long they are.
For the love of music,
Neil w Young
Past president IACMusic.com and past CEO of KIAC Media LLP
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bp deignan
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4/16/2022 6:48:15 PM
Best wishes and good health to you.
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Larree
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4/16/2022 7:30:07 PM
All the best to you, Neil. Thank you for everything!
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Richard Scotti
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4/16/2022 9:06:35 PM
@Neil - you’ll be missed but not forgotten. You’re like George Harrison’s favorite guitar: a true Country Gentleman. Peace be with you and yours.
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Bryon Tosoff
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4/16/2022 10:44:29 PM
Thank you Neil for your involvement investment vision dedication desire and determination to make the site something special. And you have influenced inspired us during this journey here at iacmusic impnation and provided a legacy of wonderful music friendship and your wonderful reviews of many Artists music over the years on your awesome stations
In appreciation we thank you. all the best and much success.
Bryon
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Bryon Tosoff
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4/17/2022 3:28:23 PM
too bad you got a raw deal Neil. I could say a whole bunch more cause I have run into similar situations in my dealings in the business world, and there are some real pieces of work and unsavory characters that are unscrupulous who take advantage of ones good intentions. Life has a way of fixing that though. all the best
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James Stanley Howen
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4/17/2022 9:02:02 PM
Hey Cowboy,
It has been a pleasure having you for a great friend for several years. You are an inspiration with the talent for writing and performing. I have read your books and I will always remember the wonderful letter you wrote for my Kelly and our wedding back in 2007. My brother Mickey John read it aloud at our wedding.
I remember when you invited me to IAC back in 2005.
You have always been "Cowboy" to me after the first time I heard your song."The Cowboy Song"! I know we will stay in touch until one of us rides off into the sunset. Many happy trails and many more to come brother.
Love ya, cowboy
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Neil w Young
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4/17/2022 10:49:18 PM
Thank you, bp, Larree, Richard, Bryon and Jimmy for the kind words regarding my parting message, the mutual friendships we have shared, and the legacy I leave behind as I continue on the rest of my way blazing new trails.
Thank you too, Bryon, for your further words of understanding. They know who they are.
Neil / Cowboy
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4/18/2022 3:36:21 AM
Rather, he knows who he is.
Neil you will be missed.
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Desperado Revue
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4/18/2022 9:39:37 AM
I remember the first of your songs that I posted to my initial Desperado station, the Clark Gable one. I was hooked on. As the years went by, I added numerous more on my multitude of stations. I cherish the messaging that we've had on FB and Email. I now only have 3 of your CD's to listen to and that's more than enough.
I'll miss you,
Norm.
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Steve April
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4/18/2022 8:41:34 PM
When I was back there co-managing a music club in the late 80s, I got the opportunity to meet a number of “stars” in those days, includin’ John Phillips, from the Mamas and the Papas, (“California Dreamin’, “Monday Monday”), Rick Danko, who did our New Year shows a few years in a row (from the Band), Richie Havens, Dave Mason, Shawn Colvin, Jerry Jeff Walker, to name a few.
Recall Jerry Jeff Walker doin’ grand versions of “Mr. Bojangles,” and “Desperado Waiting For A Train”, seems like yesterday.
With Johnny Cash and Jerry Jeff Walker, Neil W. Young’s music, well-produced, w a rockin’ band, stellar melodies, and grand storytellin’, in the American grain, tho I understand Neil resides in Canada.
Also, thank you for saving the site back in the day, Neil, and your lovely reviews on your Legendary Music stations, that encourage and support musicians on the site, and more. In music, ...best wishes...
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SILVERWOODSTUDIO
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4/19/2022 1:01:41 AM
We haven't been to this page for years but somehow today I thought I'd check in and blow me down----- Neil W Young is right there giving his valedictory . So I hang my head a little bit lower, and think about what IAC and IMP have meant to many musos who have had a start, and continued to bloom ( from 2006---2022 in my case,) and some of the obstacles planted in their way from time to time. There have been many top notch artists and you Neil have been at the forefront with your great band and classic tunes, well produced sound, and inclusive attitude to your many friends. The potential here has never been achieved, maybe there is still life in the format/ artist / station model but skilled management will be needed going forward. Most of my stations seem to have stopped operating properly but today' Laid Back Life' is at number one for Stations.
Have a laid back life my friend and rest assured---you have this fan for life.
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The CODE
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4/19/2022 6:13:05 PM
Rock on Neil W!
Enjoy every transition in life, the ultimate gift!
Stay well!
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Neil w Young
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4/23/2022 11:30:10 AM
Granted as you said, Scott, yet not to be overlooked from where I sat was the self-serving parody played out by ‘The Toiler’ that had an element of complicity in its own way and that I have grievously observed come full circle.
Be that as it may, thanks for your parting thoughts.
Neil
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Neil w Young
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4/23/2022 11:32:36 AM
Thank you, Norm, Steve, Rob and The Code, each for the much appreciated personal touch in your kind words of support and good wishes.
Best wishes to each of you.
Neil
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Lastchancelance
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4/23/2022 1:25:10 PM
So.... the "majority interest" in the site is taking a walk? My question now is who, or what, should we expect, if anything at all? This seems to be the crux of the biscuit here. Leaves me with more questions than answeres (let alone who is in charge). Scott chimed in last week and said a pro was hired and we would know this week, but it has been crickets again. Should we give up out here or what?
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Bryon Tosoff
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4/23/2022 3:46:22 PM
See what happens. Closing on 14 weeks come next week. Dont blame ya if you question the issue kinda
Sad. This site is no where near the golden age of its past levels of involvement from musicians listeners
And those supporting the site financially are still throwing in shekels when asked to keep it on life support. Yet here we are hoping.
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4/24/2022 3:21:38 AM
Lance if you give up on us you don't know us too well.
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Bryon Tosoff
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4/24/2022 10:36:35 AM
Lance made some legimate points and has concerns . Its been a painful.wait for all.
Dont know us well haha thats funny Scott. Well enough to see the snails pace of problem solving the issue . No excuse for this amount of time and dont say cookie cutter bs like other sites. You jjust sat on this too long . Needed to reach out for help way sooner . ITS BS
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4/24/2022 10:46:21 AM
well I played the hand i was dealt.
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James Stanley Howen
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4/24/2022 10:55:35 AM
Very well said Lance. IMP site will miss Neil's participation very much.
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Bryon Tosoff
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4/24/2022 12:45:15 PM
---- Updated 4/24/2022 6:04:58 PM
best to all, this place needs some help and hope it gets it
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Desperado Revue
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4/24/2022 2:07:43 PM
I really don't like seeing Scott being pushed. I may understand the frustration, but he has been on it from the get go. Let's not forget that this post was supposed to be about Neil.
Norm.
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Bryon Tosoff
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4/24/2022 3:11:19 PM
---- Updated 4/24/2022 6:04:18 PM
Larree, Thank you, Neil , all the best. good luck in your new works
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Larree
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4/24/2022 5:15:07 PM
Let's not let this thread deteriorate like this.
Neil is the MAN, and this is HIS thread!
Plenty of frustration to go around, but even after all this time, I am maintaining my positive peace, love, hippie tie-dye vibe!
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Larree
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4/24/2022 6:45:43 PM
All good, Bryon! Hugs, bro.
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Neil w Young
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4/24/2022 10:55:57 PM
Thanks, Jimmy, Norm, Bryon and Larree for the additional thoughts regarding my thread.
No, Lastchancelance, I’m not ‘taking a walk’, far from it. I’ve done the walk and a big one at that beginning more than 15 years ago culminating in 2011 … and I’ve done the talk, and took many more steps in the intervening years, and while not always successful, always with the best of intent for the site.
Those who know me know I was prepared to do much more for what I believed was in the best interest of the site, and why would I not as my main interest had always been to see the site reach the potential that I believed it had for the future and for the benefit of the members and the shareholders. I also had a vested interest.
It was not to be and not by my doing. C’est la vie. I did not make this thread to belabour the issue, only to say that given the cards I was dealt, to quote Scott, the time had come for me to make the best and most of what's left of my time and move on with other projects and responsibilities that I enjoy with much less chagrin and that I juggle and balance in my life from day to day like every other body.
Suffer the frustration while it exists, but like Larree said, remain positive while this setback for the site continues to get played out. Don’t beat it to death here.
I’ve walked the walk and the talked the talk while I had a foot in the door.
I wish nothing but the best for the site and for all concerned.
Neil / Cowboy
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Stoneman
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4/25/2022 2:09:42 AM
Neil, Your presence around here will certainly be missed. Thank you so much for all of your years of support and involvement. We are all so blessed to have had the opportunity to know you and your wonderful music. As the problems continue to glaringly blind us we truly hope that someday soon we will be able to function musically on the site as we have for so many years. Hope is not lost on this end but I am definitely not holding my breath while I wait. In the meantime I send up prayers for your continued good health and for all the new things you will be doing with your life. My highest respect to you sir! Stoneman
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Lars Mars
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4/25/2022 10:22:48 PM
With much respect and gratitude for all you've done we wish you well Neil.
Glenn
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Duane Flock
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4/27/2022 11:01:14 AM
---- Updated 4/27/2022 11:02:06 AM
Thank you Neil for all and everything you've done for everybody here at the site, and all of the creativeness of your heart and soul in music. You will be greatly missed and very much thought of.
People who have never had their own business don't realize the time, effort, years, and sacrafices one puts into that project. I gave mine up and it was like losing one of my kids.
Neil, I wish you the best of luck and good fortune to come. Please look back at this like sending out your 18yr-old to venture the world, and that you can always come back to visit. We would really like that!
Peace to you brother,
Duane
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The Rhythm Kings
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4/28/2022 7:54:16 PM
Neil……. Sir…..
It saddens me you are moving on. I respect your decision…..
I pray you would reconsider and stay on in some capacity.
You are a cornerstone of what it is and means to be an independent musician.
I’m only 58.. a youngin…. But we all value your opinion. It validates our youthful ambitions….
I wish to thank you for all you have done here. The young talents you must have mentored. The influence you projected upon them. You certainly left an imprint upon me…. Unknowable maybe to you, but pronounce.
I wish you well … and if ever in the Northwoods of Wisconsin ask anyone for Bruce Luvin’ Johnson…. I will buy you and the bar a round…
Best to you Sir and a storied career….
Bruce…. One of the last Rhythm Kings….
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Neil w Young
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4/30/2022 9:47:46 PM
Thank you Stoneman, Glenn, Duane and Bruce for your kind and generous words regarding my presence and involvement at IAC – IMP over the years ... as I have often said, my goal, vision and mission was to steer the site – IAC at the time, to new and greater heights and for it to be a beacon for musicians of all ages and all stripes.
Dwelling on footprints I left behind was never my focus, but rather, and for the most part, my thoughts were on the future and blazing new trails. Regardless of my age, I still approach every day with that same mantra.
If in some way though my presence here was meaningful – or as Bruce warmly said it having validated youthful ambitions, no greater reward could there possibly be for me than knowing that was the legacy and trail I left behind, much as did the legacy of the paths of legends that I endeavored to follow and that had inspired and validated my own youthful dreams and ambitions and that ignited my creative spirit.
I intend to leave my artists page here as one of the reasons to drop back in as it would be near to impossible not to do from time to time … and if I’m able at some point to make a long overdue trip to Wisconsin to spend some time around the campfire in Stevens Point with my great friend Jimmy – James Stanley Howen a member here and from way back in MySpace days, I’ll look you up, Bruce, and take you up and be happy to match you on buying that round at the bar.
‘My life is a story … music decorates the pages’®
Neil
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Psyche's Muse
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5/1/2022 3:58:47 AM
Wow! IAC!!! Thank You Neil! I hope that you can imagine just how much "I LOVE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE HERE!" Best Of Luck In Your Future and... THANKS AGAIN!!! -M-
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James Stanley Howen
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5/2/2022 5:23:16 PM
Hey Cowboy,
I will keep the campfire ready for you if and when you ever get to Wisconsin. I am not sure where Bruce Johnson resides, but I may get to meet him someday too. You are always welcome to my hometown Neil.
Luv ya Cowboy
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The Rhythm Kings
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5/2/2022 9:41:06 PM
James I am in near Chippewa Falls . Maybe we can get together and pick in my studio.?
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Duane Flock
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5/3/2022 12:58:13 PM
I went to see Dwight Yokum last Sunday in his hometown of Bakersfield California and the concert was great! He talked about old times when Real Country music was in it's "hey-day" . They even have streets named after Merle Haggard and Buck Owens. I had a Great Time and thought about you Neil when they played some of those classics! You would have loved it!
Cheers,
Duane
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Bryon Tosoff
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5/3/2022 7:22:58 PM
Cool to get to go to a concert Duane, Great fun and enjoyment to hear Dwight Yokum I am sure.
cheers
bryon
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Neil w Young
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5/3/2022 10:08:10 PM
Its years since I’ve been to Bakersfield, and yes, Duane, I would have enjoyed seeing Dwight Yokum and would have loved to hear all the Country classics. I cut my teeth on Country music back when it was in its “hey day”. My good friend and Rockabilly Hall of Fame member, the late Bobby Lawson (1938 – 2019) weighed in on my album, ‘No Looking Back’, calling it, “Music the way country music should be – pure and honest and from the heart.” Bobby and I had dreamed of staging a Rockabilly – Country Revue and had got to the point of talking about making it happen before he sadly passed away ... makes me think of a quote attributed to James Dean, “Dream as if you’ll live forever; live as if you’ll die today.”
For the love of music,
Neil
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James Stanley Howen
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5/8/2022 10:27:58 AM
Hi Bruce Johnson I can be contacted by email jimmyhowen at gmail I am here in Stevens Point and I always enjoy meeting other singer/songwriters from area. I apologize to my my Cowboy buddy Neil for using his forum.
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Neil w Young
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5/8/2022 3:07:57 PM
No worries here, Jimmy. I'm happy to be a connecting link between two musicians.
Hope it works out.
Cowboy
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Paul groover
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5/8/2022 5:48:45 PM
Miss you Neil W Young when i first read your name i thought this guy is ripping off Neil Young how wrong can you be. Thank you for your support over the years and the support in general to the music scene. I consider a rock n roll star as someone who can face all adversity's and yet still never lose there willingness and drive for music and people. I defo think you fit into this
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Steve April
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5/8/2022 7:27:58 PM
reminds me of a Neil song...dunno who the lady be, she's good...
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Neil w Young
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5/9/2022 2:12:39 AM
Thank you, Paul, for your ever so kind words. Given my respect for Neil who is three years my junior, and he and I sharing the same first and last names, I have never covered any of his songs in any of my performances or recordings through the years.
There's no rock 'n' roll star in my boots either, just an ordinary guitar pickin' Country, Rockabilly and Rock 'n' Roll singer-songwriter with a passion and drive for music for as long as I can remember and an appreciation and respect for everyone making it.
Still, it's an honour and most humbling that you think I fit as you said.
Play hard and rock on!
Neil
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Neil w Young
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5/9/2022 2:23:46 AM
Thank you, Steve, for thinking any song by Johnny Cash reminds you of any songs of my mine. That is an honour and humbling as well, such as I said to Paul above.
Johnny Cash was though one of my first influences and inspirations as a teenager with a guitar in my hands. One of his first hits, "Ballad of a Teenage Queen" was the first song I learned to play and sing.
For the love of music,
Neil
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Paul groover
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5/9/2022 7:51:57 PM
I know a rock n rolla when i see one so dinna piss in my pocket and tell me it,s raining
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Neil w Young
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5/10/2022 12:49:50 AM
Okay, Paul, a rock n rolla I admit I is, I am, and have been from the beginning ... star is questionable, if not dubious, at least in these eyes.
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