Better late than never: Neil Young’s older brother Bob has revealed his own musical talent, releasing his debut single “Hey America” at the age of 78.
The track is a political one, released less than a week ahead of the presidential election, and it urges Americans to vote out Donald Trump. It features backing band The Peterboroughs as well as the more famous Young brother on harmonica and backing vocals.
“I didn’t set out to become a songwriter and singer at 78 years of age,” Bob explained in a press release. “It was and is an organic event. I was watching Donald Trump on TV a couple of years ago and wrote down a few lines. When I got home, I found I could play those lines on guitar. Gradually, it became what it is now. It took a while to be able to play and sing the song from start to finish. When I could finally accomplish that, it was a victory. The recording process all happened at once.”
“I had never done that either,” he continued. “It was a band performance that had spontaneity. In another session, some vocal harmony was added, and Neil played harmonica. My perspective is simultaneously that of a participant and spectator. I am watching myself do this. All you aging baby boomers out there, give it a shot. As Yogi Berra put it, ‘It ain’t over ’til it’s over, and even then it ain’t over.’ I agree. I have more songs, all from the same creative spark.”
You can watch the video for “Hey America” below.
More Like This
Thanks for reading InsideHook. Sign up for our daily newsletter and be in the know.
