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Buffalo Springfield

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Band Timeline

1966

Formation of Buffalo Springfield

In 1966, Buffalo Springfield was formed in Los Angeles, bringing together Canadian musicians Neil Young, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin with Americans Stephen Stills and Richie Furay. The band came together after a fortuitous reunion on Sunset Boulevard, where Stills and Furay encountered Young and Palmer. The group's name was inspired by a steamroller parked outside their residence. Their sound mixed folk, country, British Invasion influences, and psychedelic rock, placing them at the forefront of early folk rock development.
1966

Debut Single and Signing with Atlantic Records

Buffalo Springfield signed with Atlantic Records and released their debut single 'Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing' in 1966. The single became a regional hit in Los Angeles, marking the band's entry into the music industry. Their blend of folk and rock elements resonated with audiences, setting the stage for their subsequent success. This period established the band as a promising new act amid the vibrant 1960s California music scene.
1967

Breakthrough with 'For What It's Worth'

January 1967 saw the release of Buffalo Springfield's protest anthem 'For What It's Worth,' which became their only US top 10 hit and a defining song of the counterculture era. The track captured the social unrest of the time, resonating widely and solidifying the band's place in music history. The success of the single elevated their profile significantly and underscored their role as voices of youth and social commentary.
1967

Release of 'Buffalo Springfield Again' and Musical Evolution

Their second album, 'Buffalo Springfield Again,' marked a shift toward more psychedelic and hard rock sounds. Released in 1967, it featured notable tracks like 'Bluebird' and 'Mr. Soul,' showcasing the band's expanding musical capabilities and experimentation. This album reflected their artistic growth and helped influence the progressive rock and folk-rock genres. The band’s complex songwriting and dynamic performances during this period enhanced their reputation among critics and fans.
1968

Lineup Changes, Legal Troubles, and Disbandment

During 1968, Buffalo Springfield faced several challenges, including drug-related arrests and changes in band members, which affected their stability. Despite these issues, they completed their third album, 'Last Time Around,' which was released shortly after their breakup. The internal turmoil and external pressures contributed to the band's dissolution, ending a brief but impactful chapter in rock music. The members went on to pursue influential solo and group projects.
1997

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

In 1997, Buffalo Springfield was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, recognizing their significant influence on the development of folk rock and their lasting impact on music history. This honor celebrated their innovative blend of genres and their role in shaping the late 1960s music landscape. The induction cemented the band's legacy as pioneers despite their relatively short career.
2011

Brief Reunion and Comeback Tour

Buffalo Springfield reunited briefly for a comeback tour in 2011, bringing together surviving members to celebrate their enduring music and legacy. This reunion allowed longtime fans to experience the band’s dynamic performances live and introduced their influential sound to a new generation. The tour highlighted the timeless quality of their songs and their significant place in rock history.

Albums

buffalo-springfield_1st_album
Buffalo Springfield
12 tracks
1966
buffalo-springfield_2nd_album
Buffalo Springfield Again
10 tracks
1967
buffalo-springfield_3rd_album
Last Time Around
12 tracks
1968
buffalo-springfield_4th_album
Sell Out
16 tracks
2002
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Members

Current

Name
Begin
Occupation

Doug Hastings

N/A

Additional

Richie Furay

N/A

Bruce Palmer

N/A

David Crosby

N/A

Additional

Joe Vitale

N/A

Dewey Martin

N/A

Jim Messina

N/A

Stephen Stills

N/A

History

Name
Begin
End
Occupation

Neil Young

1966
1968

Bob Jones

N/A
N/A

Story of Buffalo Springfield

Buffalo Springfield: A Rock & Roll Revolution

Buffalo Springfield, a band that exploded onto the Los Angeles music scene in 1966, were more than just a group of talented musicians. They were a force of nature, a potent blend of folk, country, and rock that resonated with the counterculture of the time. Fueled by the dynamic songwriting and musical talents of Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, Dewey Martin, and Bruce Palmer, the band's music was as raw as it was innovative.

Their iconic anthem "For What It's Worth" became a symbol of the anti-war movement, showcasing the band's ability to translate social commentary into powerful music. This protest song, along with their debut single "Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing," propelled them to the top of the charts and firmly placed them as key players in the burgeoning folk-rock scene.

The band's second album, "Buffalo Springfield Again," pushed boundaries further, showcasing a departure towards psychedelic and hard rock influences. Songs like "Bluebird" and "Mr. Soul" showcased their growing musical prowess and willingness to experiment.

Despite their short-lived lifespan, spanning only three albums and a handful of singles from 1966 to 1968, Buffalo Springfield's impact on the music world was undeniable. Their music not only defined a generation but also influenced countless artists who followed, solidifying their legacy as true pioneers of rock & roll.

A Note on the Band's Name: The story goes that the band's name was inspired by a steamroller parked outside their house, a perfect metaphor for their raw, hard-hitting sound that was destined to crush the status quo.

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