It makes sense that Neil Young and Willie Nelsonare dear friends. Both launched their solo careers in the 1960s, with Willie pioneering the “Outlaw country” genre after working as a songwriter, and Neil emerging as a solo star after leavingBuffalo Springfield. Both have been outspoken conservationists, and both have worked on Farm Aid for the past 40 years.
So it makes even more sense that Lukas Nelson, Willie’s son and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, would release a new song that pays tribute to his father’s lifelong friend. And, of course, it would be connected to one of Neil’s biggest musical achievements.
On Oct. 6, Lukas announced that on the following Friday, he and Sierra Ferrell, along with The Travelin’ McCourys, would release their new single, a cover of Young’s “Unknown Legend.”
“It’s a tribute to a timeless song from the iconic [Neil Young] album, Harvest Moon,” added Lukas. “We can’t wait for you to hear it!” Lukas also included a snippet of him and Ferell performing the track live, which had fans raving in the comments section.
“Man, Sierra’s voice just soars and embodies the spirit of this song. Add in the McCourys and Lukas, and it’s a firestorm of perfection,” wrote one. Another added, “Such a GREAT song!! LOVE y’alls interpretation.”
The original “Unknown Legend” opens up Neil Young’s 1992 album, Harvest Moon. Whereas this new version is an up-tempo duet, Neil’s composition is a more somber, slow affair. It also harkens back to the country-themed folk of his past albums (Harvest, Comes a Time, Old Ways), a departure from the fuzz-rock of his previous album, 1990’s Ragged Glory.
Lukas Nelson’s musical journey has been closely tied to the “Heart of Gold” singer. He met drummer Anthony LoGerfo at a Neil Young concert in 2008, and together, they started a band—Promise of the Real—which takes its name from Neil Young’s song, “Walk On.” The band would work with Neil, backing the music legend on tours and recording three studio albums with him.
While touring with Neil Young, Lukas caught the attention of Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga as they were making A Star is Born. “Bradley had seen me playing with Neil Young and called me up and asked me to help him look the part and play the part authentically,” Lukas told WTOP. “He really did take a lot of my mannerisms from, and then I taught him how to pretend to play guitar, although the guitar you hear is me.”
Lukas contributed songs to the A Star Is Born soundtrack, which won him a BAFTA for Best Original Music and a Grammy for Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media.
However, in 2025, Lukas split from Promise of the Real. He explained that he felt that “the band had become Neil Young’s band, telling Rolling Stone that he wants “to be able to do my own thing.”
Lukas released his debut solo album, American Romance, in June 2025. Coincidentally, Shooter Jennings—the son of Willie’s dear friend and musical collaborator, Waylon Jennings—produced the album.
