When you hear the name Neil Young, you probably think of legendary music, powerful lyrics, and timeless rock songs. But behind the fame and spotlight, Neil is also a father—a father who has been through some very emotional and life-changing experiences.
One of the most touching parts of Neil’s life is his relationship with his oldest son, Zeke Young. Zeke was born with a health condition that made life harder, but he has faced everything with quiet strength and courage.
In this article, we’ll explore the full story of Zeke Young, Neil Young’s son. From his early struggles with cerebral palsy to finding peace, purpose, and independence, this is a story that will truly inspire you.
Who Is Zeke Young?
Zeke Young was born on September 8, 1972. He is the first child of rock icon Neil Young and actress Carrie Snodgress. At the time, both of his parents were famous in their own way—Neil was already making big waves in music, and Carrie had just received an Academy Award nomination for her role in Diary of a Mad Housewife.
Despite being born into a world of fame and music, Zeke’s life was never about the spotlight. From the beginning, he faced challenges that would shape his journey in a very different way.
He is now in his early 50s, living a peaceful and quiet life away from fame—but his story is one of strength, growth, and love.
Zeke Young’s Early Life and Health Struggles
When Zeke was born, Neil and Carrie had planned for a home birth. But during labor, the midwife noticed something was wrong and told them to rush to the hospital. Zeke had to be delivered with forceps, which may have led to some damage.
Soon after birth, his parents noticed unusual signs. Zeke’s right foot was stiff and extended, and his right hand didn’t move like the left. He couldn’t straighten his ankle or control one side of his body fully.
Later on, doctors confirmed that Zeke had cerebral palsy, a condition that affects movement and muscle control. For any parent, this would be heartbreaking—but Neil and Carrie tried their best to give him all the love and care he needed.
Even as a little boy, Zeke had to deal with many things that most kids don’t. But this was only the beginning of his story.
Zeke’s Famous Parents
Zeke’s parents had a love story that began in a very Hollywood way. Neil saw Carrie in a movie and instantly felt a connection. He later wrote the song “A Man Needs a Maid” about her, revealing that he had fallen in love while watching her on screen.
Soon after, they started living together on Neil’s ranch in California. Neil even wrote “Heart of Gold” during that time—one of his biggest songs.
Carrie, despite being a rising star, chose to pause her acting career to raise Zeke. This was a huge decision, showing just how much she loved her son and family.
But over time, things became difficult. Neil and Carrie split up in 1975, when Zeke was just three years old. Their breakup also came during a time when Zeke was dealing with the early signs of cerebral palsy.
Zeke Young’s Childhood with Cerebral Palsy
Growing up with cerebral palsy wasn’t easy for Zeke. He had to wear a foot brace, which made him stand out from other kids. Sadly, this led to bullying and name-calling at school.
Kids would tease him, and that caused Zeke to feel angry and frustrated. He didn’t always understand why he was different or why other kids were mean to him.
Neil Young wrote in his book that this was a rough time for Zeke. He started lashing out and having emotional struggles. It wasn’t just about his body—his heart was hurting too.
But even during these hard times, his parents were doing everything they could to support him.
Growing Up Between Two Homes
After Neil and Carrie broke up, Zeke spent time with both parents. He mostly lived in Los Angeles with his mom but would often visit his dad at the Broken Arrow Ranch in California.
This back-and-forth life was probably tough at times, especially for a child already dealing with health struggles. But it also meant that he got love and attention from both sides.
Neil continued to be part of his life. Even when he was busy with music and tours, he always tried to stay close to Zeke.
Family life may not have been perfect, but there was still love—just in a different way.
Zeke Young’s Turning Point at Morning Sky School
One of the biggest changes in Zeke’s life came when he enrolled in Morning Sky School in Mountain Center, California. It was a school that helped kids like Zeke, who had challenges but still had so much potential.
Neil said this school helped Zeke become a “changed man.” The anger started to fade. Zeke became more confident, more peaceful, and more open.
Sometimes, all it takes is the right place, the right people, and a little support to bring out the best in someone. That’s exactly what Morning Sky School did for Zeke.
It gave him the tools he needed to live a better, happier life.
Neil Young’s Bond with His Son Zeke
As Zeke grew older, his relationship with his dad became stronger than ever. Neil has always spoken about Zeke with deep love and pride.
In his book Waging Heavy Peace, Neil said that when he looks at Zeke, he sees a wonderful man who handles himself beautifully. He also said he was proud of how far Zeke had come in life.
By 2012, Neil and Zeke had become very close. They shared not just family love, but real friendship and respect.
It’s not always easy being the child of a world-famous musician. But Zeke carved out his own path, and Neil never stopped cheering him on.
Zeke Young’s Work and Independence
As Zeke Young got older, he wanted to build a life of his own. Even though he had worked with his dad on tours, helping with sound and tech jobs, he decided it was time to move on.
One day, he told Neil, “I want to be independent. I should get another job because you won’t be doing this forever.” This simple but powerful sentence showed how much he had grown. Zeke didn’t want to rely on his father’s fame or music. He wanted to make his own way.
So, he started working at Home Depot, in the complaints department. This is a very tough job, dealing with angry or upset customers. But Zeke handled it well. People respected him there. He stayed calm, focused, and kind—qualities that made him stand out. It was clear that Neil Young’s son had become a strong man in his own right.
Losing His Mother
In April 2004, Zeke faced one of the hardest moments of his life. His mother, Carrie Snodgress, passed away from heart failure while waiting for a liver transplant. She was only 57 years old.
Zeke was there with her at the hospital. He stayed by her side until the very end. It was a heartbreaking time, but it also showed his deep love and loyalty to his mom.
Carrie had given up so much for Zeke. She paused her Hollywood career to raise him. And Zeke, in return, was there when she needed him most. Their bond was quiet, but it was filled with love.
After her death, Zeke continued on with quiet strength—just as his mother had always done.
Neil Young’s Other Children
Zeke Young has two half-siblings: Ben Young and Amber Jean Young, from Neil’s second marriage to Pegi Young.
Ben was born in 1978 and, like Zeke, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. But Ben’s condition was more severe. He is quadriplegic and non-verbal, but that hasn’t stopped him from living a full life. He runs an organic chicken farm at Neil’s ranch and even sells free-range eggs to local stores.
Ben also helped inspire The Bridge School, which Neil and Pegi started to help children with severe disabilities learn and communicate.
Amber Jean, born in 1984, was diagnosed with epilepsy like her father. But she didn’t let that hold her back. She became a talented artist, working with textiles, quilts, and painting. She has had her art shown in galleries across California and beyond.
Zeke, Ben, and Amber Jean all faced health challenges—but each one of them found their own unique path.
Zeke Young’s Life Today
So, where is Zeke Young now?
He continues to live a quiet, private life. He’s not in the spotlight like his dad, and that’s exactly how he seems to like it. Zeke works hard, keeps things simple, and lives with quiet confidence.
In 2018, he appeared publicly with Neil and Ben at the SXSW premiere of “Paradox”, a film starring Neil and directed by his now-wife Daryl Hannah. It was a rare public moment, showing the strong connection between Neil and both his sons.
Neil Young’s son, Zeke Young, doesn’t make headlines. But his story is a powerful reminder that strength isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s quiet. Sometimes, it shows up in the way someone faces challenges, stays humble, and keeps going no matter what.
Final Thoughts
Zeke Young may not be a celebrity like his father, but his story is just as meaningful.
He was born into a life filled with challenges. From his early struggles with cerebral palsy to the pain of losing his mother, he had to overcome a lot. But through it all, he never gave up. He worked hard, stayed kind, and found a life that made him proud.
For Neil Young, being a father changed everything. Zeke helped him see the world differently. He inspired him to care more deeply, to write from the heart, and to focus on what truly matters—family, love, and strength.
So the next time you hear one of Neil’s songs, remember the quiet story behind the music. Remember Zeke Young, the son who inspired it all.
(FAQs)
Is Zeke Young from Ozark the same as Neil Young’s son?
No! That’s a common mix-up. The Ozark character “Zeke” is fictional. Zeke Young, Neil Young’s son, is a real person and has no connection to the Netflix show.
Is Zeke Young the same as Zeke Yeager from Attack on Titan (AOT)?
No, not at all. Zeke Yeager is a popular anime character from Attack on Titan (AOT). Zeke Young is Neil Young’s real-life son, born in 1972.
Is Zeke Young married?
There’s no public record of Zeke Young being married. He lives a very private life, and details about his personal relationships are kept out of the spotlight.
What is Zeke Young doing today?
Zeke now lives a quiet and independent life. He has worked at Home Depot, stays away from fame, and is known for his kindness and strength despite living with cerebral palsy.
What was Neil Young’s relationship like with Zeke Young?
Their bond became very strong over time. Neil has said he’s extremely proud of Zeke and sees him as a wonderful man who inspires him every day.
