R.I.P. Rusty Young of Poco 1946-2021 - Noise11.com
Rusty Young of Poco photo from Blue Elan Records

Rusty Young of Poco photo from Blue Elan Records

R.I.P. Rusty Young of Poco 1946-2021

by Paul Cashmere @paulcashmere on April 16, 2021

in News

Poco’s Rusty Young has died from a heart attack at age 75.

Normal Russell ‘Rusty’ Young formed Poco in 1968. He had previously been the road manager for Buffalo Springfield. Buffalo Springfield gave Rusty his first record credit with they needed a steel guitarist for their song ‘Kind Woman’ on the final album ‘Last Time Around’.

After Buffalo Springfield broke up Young and Randy Meisner (later of Eagles), Jim Messina and Richie Furay formed Poco with drummer George Grantham. Meisner quit a year later and was replaced with Timothy B. Schmit, who would also replace Randy later once again in Eagles.

Rusty Young wrote Poco’s classic ‘ Rose of Cimarron’.

In 2020 Young reflected on his career saying, “I’ve been fortunate to have had a magical career. From the moment I was called to play on the Buffalo Springfield album, all through Poco, and now through my solo projects, things have just fallen into place. I’ve worked really hard to be the best I can be, and I think my music is the proof.”

In a statement Blue Elan Records released, “It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Poco co-founder, Rusty Young, at the age of 75. Young suffered a heart attack last night. A beloved member of the Blue Élan Records family, Young was best known as the heart and soul of Poco – the band widely considered to be one of the founders of the classic Southern California country rock sound. Young was an integral member of the band throughout their influential six decade career.”

Young is survived by wife Mary, daughter Sara, his three Grandsons as well as Mary’s children Joe, Marci and Hallie and her two grandchildren.

Noise11.com

Follow Noise11 on Social Media

NEW: Noise11 on YouTube SUBSCRIBE

Noise11 on Instagram

You’ll discover music news first following Noise11 on Twitter

Comment on the news of the day, join Noise11 on Facebook

Related Posts

Neil Young photo by Ros O'Gorman
Neil Young Takes A Swipe At Elon Musk In New Song ‘Let’s Roll Again’

Neil Young has gone for the Elon Musk jugular in a new song ‘Let’s Roll Again’.

11 hours ago
The Who, Pete Townshend. Photo by Ros O'Gorman
Zak Starkey Is Back In The Who

Drummer Zak Starkey is not parting company with The Who despite issuing a statement to the contrary.

April 20, 2025
Russell Morris
Russell Morris Farewells Fans With ‘End of the Beginning’

Russell Morris ‘The Farewell Tour’ now comes with a farewell song. ‘End of the Beginning’ is a brand new song from Russell, reflecting on an incredible 50+ year career. “It’s the end, but it’s the end of the beginning” the song goes.

April 11, 2025
Pete Best
Pete Best, The Original Drummer For The Beatles, Retires At 83

The Beatles' original drummer Pete Best has officially retired from music.

April 9, 2025
Brian Cadd performs at the APIA Good Times Tour 2015 at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne on Sunday 24 June 2015
Australian Music Legend Brian Cadd Suffers Massive Stroke

One of Australia’s greatest singer songwriters and performers Brian Cadd have suffered a massive stroke at his Gold Coast home.

April 8, 2025
Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath photo by Ros OGorman
Sharon Osbourne Suggest A Black Sabbath Hologram Show Is Possible

Sharon Osbourne is open to a Black Sabbath hologram show.

April 3, 2025
Russell Morris
Russell Morris Announces ‘The Farewell Tour’

After almost 60 years of touring, rock and blues legend Russell Morris has announced what he is calling ‘The Farewell Tour’ but “never” is such a finite word.

April 3, 2025