Neil Young with Willie Nelson – Four Strong Winds (Live at Farm Aid 1995)
The performance of “Four Strong Winds” by Neil Young, Willie Nelson, and Mickey Raphael at the Farm Aid concert in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 1, 1995, is a memorable moment in the history of both the song and the annual benefit concert. Farm Aid was founded in 1985 by Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp with the mission to support family farmers across the United States. The concert series has since become a significant event, raising awareness and funds for family farming and food production.
“Four Strong Winds,” originally written by Canadian folk artist Ian Tyson in 1961, became a folk standard, and Neil Young’s version is one of the most celebrated renditions. Young recorded the song for his 1978 album Comes a Time, and it has since become a staple in his live performances, particularly at Farm Aid events. The song’s poignant lyrics about love, loss, and the passage of time resonate deeply with audiences, making it a fitting choice for a concert aimed at preserving traditions and livelihoods.
At the 1995 Farm Aid, the collaboration between Young and Nelson brought an added layer of emotion to the performance. Young’s soulful delivery, complemented by Nelson’s harmonies and Raphael’s haunting harmonica, created a powerful rendition that highlighted the deep camaraderie between the artists. This performance underscored the spirit of Farm Aid—artists coming together for a cause they believe in, using their music to make a difference.
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