Rusty Young (1946 - 2021)

Very early Poco. L to R: Jim Messina, George
Grantham, Richie Furay, & Rusty Young

I'm not sure I've ever posted anything on this blog two days in a row before today, but some unfortunate news broke yesterday that is forcing my hand. Even though it's another sad day for earthbound, classic rock fans Rock 'n Roll Heaven just added another member to its all-star band. Poco's Rusty Young passed away on April 14, 2021 at age 75.

Young was one of the founding members of Poco, along with Richie Furay and Jim Messina. The latter two asked him to join their new band following the demise of Buffalo Springfield after the steel guitar virtuoso assisted them on the last Springfield album.  

Young was the only member of the country-rock pioneers who played on every single Poco record. He was best known for composing two of the group's best known songs, "Rose of Cimarron" (#94 on the Billboard Hot 100) and "Crazy Love" (#17).

Almost all of Young's work was within the confines of Poco. His very first and only solo album, Waiting for The Sun, was not released until 2017.

Poco has never been seriously considered for the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame but their revolving door membership included three members who are in the hall with other bands. Furay was inducted with Buffalo Springfield and Randy Meisner and Timothy B. Schmit are members because of their time with the Eagles. However, Young is a member of the Steel Guitar Hall of Fame. 

You can also read more at the websites for both Poco and Rusty Young.

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