Neil Young, 65, one of Canada’s best known artists, and certainly one of the most enduring and prolific, will receive a special tribute at the famed New York venue in February 2011, from a diverse all-star line-up of more than 20 musicians.
The concert will benefit music and arts programs for underprivileged youth. Musicians slated to appear include: Patti Smith, the Roots, Living Colour, Cowboy Junkies, Shawn Colvin, Aimee Mann, Pete Yorn and J Mascis.
Active on the music scene for the past 50 years, Young began performing as a solo artist in Canada in 1960, before moving to California in 1966, where he co-founded the band Buffalo Springfield along with Stephen Stills, and later joined Crosby, Stills & Nash as a fourth member in 1969.
Young forged a successful and acclaimed solo career; releasing his first album in 1968; his career has since spanned 50 years and 34 studio albums, with a continual and uncompromising exploration of musical styles.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes Young as "one of rock and roll’s greatest songwriters and performers.” He has been inducted into the Hall of Fame twice: first as a solo artist in 1995, and secondly as a member of Buffalo Springfield in 1997.
Concert promoter Michael Dorf has previously organized tribute concerts for Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and R.E.M., among others.