Neil & Pegi Young: Life, Divorce & Legacy Revealed!

Is it possible to leave an indelible mark on the world through both artistic expression and unwavering dedication to those in need? Pegi Young, a singer-songwriter and philanthropist, proved it is, leaving behind a legacy of musical creativity and profound compassion.

Pegi Young, who passed away at the age of 66 after a year-long battle with cancer, was perhaps best known to the public as the former wife of rock icon Neil Young. But to those who knew her, and especially to the families whose lives she touched, she was so much more: a tireless advocate for children with disabilities, a nurturing mother, and a woman who found her own voice as a musician later in life. Her journey was one of resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to making the world a better place.

Pegi met Neil Young in 1974 while working as a waitress at a diner near his ranch in California. Their connection was immediate, leading to a marriage in August 1978 that would last for 36 years. The couple had two children, Ben and Amber Jean. Ben's birth brought with it a challenge that would shape Pegi's life in profound ways: he was diagnosed with severe cerebral palsy. This experience ignited a fire within her, a determination to create a better world for children with similar needs.

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The most significant manifestation of this determination was The Bridge School, which Pegi co-founded with Neil Young. The school, located in California, is dedicated to providing innovative educational programs for children with severe physical impairments and complex communication needs. It was born out of Pegi's personal experience navigating the challenges of raising Ben and searching for educational options that truly met his needs. She envisioned a place where children like Ben could thrive, reaching their full potential in a supportive and stimulating environment.

Beyond the school itself, The Bridge School became known for its annual benefit concerts, a star-studded affair that drew some of the biggest names in music. These concerts not only raised crucial funds for the school but also brought awareness to the needs of children with disabilities. Pegi was instrumental in organizing and running these events, which became a beloved tradition for both the performers and the audience. The concerts were more than just fundraisers; they were celebrations of inclusivity, hope, and the power of community.

While Pegi's work with The Bridge School was undoubtedly her most impactful contribution, she also carved out her own path as a musician. She embarked on her singing career relatively late in life, beginning as a backing vocalist for Neil Young in 2000, at the age of 48. This experience ignited her passion for performing, and she eventually stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist. Her music, often described as Americana with a touch of country and folk, resonated with audiences for its honesty, heartfelt lyrics, and Pegi's distinctive voice.

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She released her self-titled debut album in 2007, followed by several other albums that showcased her growth as a songwriter and performer. Pegi's music often explored themes of love, loss, and resilience, drawing inspiration from her own life experiences. She toured extensively, sharing her music with audiences around the world and using her platform to raise awareness for The Bridge School and other charitable causes.

The divorce between Pegi and Neil Young in 2014 marked the end of a long chapter in both of their lives. After the divorce, Pegi retained ownership of their Broken Arrow Ranch in Redwood City, California, a property Neil had purchased in 1970. She continued to manage the ranch, employing hired help to maintain its operations. While the divorce was undoubtedly a difficult period, Pegi remained committed to her work with The Bridge School and her music. Reports indicated that Pegi and Neil maintained a cordial relationship, even seeing each other at a charity event for The Bridge School in 2016.

The split saw Neil Young move back to Southern California, while Pegi remained at the Northern California ranch they had shared since the late 1970s. Even after their separation, the legacy of The Bridge School benefit concerts continued, a testament to their shared vision and commitment to helping children with disabilities.

Pegi Young's death in 2019 was met with an outpouring of grief from the music community, the disability rights community, and all those whose lives she had touched. Her daughter, Amber Jean Young, created a series of poignant photos in honor of her mother, capturing the essence of her spirit and her unwavering love for her family. An exhibition of Pegi's paintings, titled "Pegi's Garden," was held at Palo Alto's Bryant Street Gallery, with proceeds going to support the fight against ovarian cancer, a cause that became deeply personal in her final year.

While Neil Young has experienced a number of relationships, including his marriage to actress Daryl Hannah after his divorce from Pegi, it is the legacy of his partnership with Pegi that continues to resonate most powerfully. Their shared creation, The Bridge School, stands as a testament to their dedication to children with disabilities and their belief in the power of music and community to create positive change.

Pegi Young's contributions extended beyond her work with The Bridge School and her musical career. She was known for her kindness, her generosity, and her unwavering spirit. She was a motorcycle enthusiast, a passion that Neil Young immortalized in his song "Unknown Legend," a touching portrait of Pegi's adventurous spirit and her love of the open road.

Even those who had never met Pegi were aware of her profound impact. As one observer noted, "Until she died, I dont think I had ever seen a picture of Pegi Young, but I knew something about her: That 41 years ago she gave birth to a son, Ben, who had severe cerebral palsyand that she had founded an innovative school, the Bridge School, in California to help handicapped children."

Pegi Young began her singing career as a backing vocalist at 48 years old, touring with her husband Neil Young starting in 2000. Her first public appearance as a backing vocalist was in March 1994 at the Oscars ceremony, singing on the song from the film "Philadelphia," composed by Neil Young.

The lyrics and melodies Pegi Young crafted resonated deeply with listeners, capturing universal emotions and experiences. Her music served not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a bridge connecting her to audiences on a personal level. Even in her later work, the themes of resilience and hope continued to shine through, reflecting her own journey and offering solace to those facing their own challenges.

Pegi Young's passing marked the end of an era, but her influence continues to be felt. The Bridge School remains a beacon of hope for children with disabilities and their families, and her music continues to inspire and uplift listeners around the world. She left behind a legacy of compassion, creativity, and unwavering dedication to making the world a better place, a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.

In a world often characterized by division and strife, Pegi Young's life serves as a reminder of the power of empathy, collaboration, and the transformative potential of art. She showed us that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to create beauty, build community, and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Her story is a testament to the enduring human spirit and a call to action for all who seek to create a more just and compassionate world.

Four Strong Winds, which closes one of her albums, is a cover of the 1963 Canadian folk song by Ian and Sylvia. Young had previously performed the song with the band in their film The Last Waltz.

On January 2, 2019, Pegi Youngs official Instagram account posted a photo of her playing guitar, a poignant reminder of her artistic spirit and her passion for music.

Zeke Young, Neil's first child born in 1972 to actress Carrie Snodgrass, also faced the challenges of cerebral palsy, further underscoring the family's deep connection to this cause. Ben Young, born in 1978 to Neil and Pegi, was also diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after his birth. These personal experiences fueled Pegi's determination to create a supportive and inclusive environment for children with disabilities.

Driving down the hill above his ranch in the Santa Cruz Mountains, south of San Francisco, Neil Young would often take in the scent of the redwood forest, a landscape that undoubtedly influenced his music and his life with Pegi. The ranch, and the natural beauty surrounding it, served as a sanctuary for the family and a source of inspiration for their creative endeavors.

Robyn Merrett, a former associate morning news editor at People, understood the significance of Pegi Young's story, recognizing her as more than just the wife of a famous musician. Merrett, and countless others, saw Pegi as a force in her own right, a woman who used her platform and her resources to advocate for those in need and to create a lasting impact on the world.

In the wake of their split, the Bridge School benefit concerts continued, a testament to their shared vision and enduring commitment to the children the school served. The concerts remained a beloved tradition, drawing musicians and fans alike to celebrate inclusivity, hope, and the power of community.

After starting his music career in Winnipeg in the 1960s, Neil Young moved to Los Angeles and formed the folk-rock group Buffalo Springfield. His journey as a musician paralleled Pegi's own creative awakening, and their shared passion for music became a cornerstone of their relationship and their philanthropic endeavors.

The news of Pegi Young's death came a year after she was diagnosed with cancer, a battle she fought with courage and grace. Even in her final months, she remained committed to her work and her loved ones, leaving behind a legacy of resilience and unwavering spirit.

Zeke Young, Ben Young, and Neil Young attended the "Paradox" premiere in 2018 in Austin, Texas, a public display of family unity and support. The event highlighted the importance of family bonds and the shared experiences that connected them, despite the challenges they faced.

Pegi Young met Pegi Morton while she was working as a waitress at a diner near his California ranch in 1974. Their connection was immediate, leading to a marriage in August 1978 that would last for 36 years. Their son, Ben, was born with cerebral palsy, an event that would shape Pegis life and lead to the creation of The Bridge School.

Pegi Young's life was a testament to the power of creativity, compassion, and unwavering dedication. She was a musician, a philanthropist, a mother, and a friend, and her legacy will continue to inspire and uplift generations to come.

Young was born in Long Island, New York, attended Ithaca College in Ithaca, New York, and has lived and worked in Manhattan, Washington, DC, Los Angeles, and Boston. Her diverse experiences shaped her perspective and informed her work, both as a musician and as a philanthropist.

Well, when I put together a record, I do still have this old time notion that there should be some kind of thread that goes between the songs so they tell the semblance of a story, even though most people, most listeners these days listen on shuffle or through an iPod or something, where it's not necessarily listening to an entire record, it's just a song here, a song there.