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Neil Young Receiving Humanitarian Award at Junos

Neil YoungSteve Jennings, WireImage

Neil Young will be honored at Canada's Juno awards this year, but not for his songwriting.

The 65-year-old music legend will receive the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award, given to prominent musicians with a significant history of charitable work. And, in Young's case, a heart of gold.

Young was selected primarily because of his work in founding -- along with Willie Nelson and John Mellencamp -- the Farm Aid concert series in 1985, with all proceeds going to support struggling farmers across America. The awareness the event generated led to significant Congressional reforms that allowed farmers to save their land and business during the decade's farm crisis.

In 1987, Young and his wife Pegi created the Bridge School, which educates students who struggle with severe speech and physical impairments. Both of Young's sons have cerebral palsy, and his daughter suffers from epilepsy.

The award will be presented to Young, who has taken home five Junos over the years, on March 27 during the televised ceremony. Previous Allan Waters Award winners include Bryan Adams, Bruce Cockburn and Sarah McLachlan.





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Bruce Hamerstrom

Neil, you are the American Americans wish they were. Peace and Love. THANK YOU.

January 28 2011 at 2:15 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Valerie

Neil Young is an amazing human being, humanitarian to the hilt. One of the best singer-songwriters of all time. A humble legend...I love you Neil, kudos and congrats to you...

January 28 2011 at 12:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Augie Pensa

What a great honor for a great man. Neil, God Bless you and your family.

January 28 2011 at 12:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Anne Decker

I love Neil Young. He is an amazing songwriter and musician. I've listened to his music for almost 40 years now. He's the greatest! You go, Neil.

January 28 2011 at 9:52 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Anne Decker's comment
Joyce

I have listened to Neil forever it seems. I still do, I'm 74. Neil Young is one of a kind.

January 28 2011 at 12:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
steverc53

I sent three posts to 'Spinner' yesterday (1/27/2011) to praise the deeds and music of Neil Young. None of my comments were passed and posted. I am disgusted by this treatment, it is totally unwarranted and unfair. I will pass this on to whoever i can so others are aware of this injustice. stephen 1/28/2011

January 28 2011 at 8:44 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Stephen

Neil Young is different, in a good way. He has no pat answers to questions and seems comfortable to be Neil Young, the anti-star.

January 28 2011 at 7:07 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
dick

A wonderful artist and wonderful man. Young and Bob Dylan will always stand head and shoulders above all the other greats of their time.

January 28 2011 at 1:11 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
diamondlotus

Neil Young, a truly gifted artist, a music icon, and man of great integrity, have always loved you and your music Neil!

January 27 2011 at 11:29 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Lita

A real Humanatarion who just keeps giving and giving.
In 1987, Young and his wife Pegi created the Bridge School, which educates students who struggle with severe speech and physical impairments. Both of Young's sons have cerebral palsy, and his daughter suffers from epilepsy. God Bless all of them.

January 27 2011 at 11:06 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SandhillsRider

An old school rocker who continues to write and perform new music and not just on a permanent reunion tour.

January 27 2011 at 10:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply