“Neil sat in the control room and played it. We looked at each other and we both knew it was a number one record. It was incredible”: How Neil Young created his biggest hit – with love in his heart and an ache in his back

Neil Young.

When it comes to assessing the elements that make up the creation of a great song, most artists will acknowledge that luck can sometimes be a significant factor. Such was the case in early February 1971 when a chance encounter prompted Neil Young to record the song Heart Of Gold in Nashville, Tennessee.

Young was in Nashville to appear on The Johnny Cash Show, alongside other guests James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt. This edition of the hugely popular TV show was taped on 6 and 7 February 1971 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.