Neil Young: Don't Be Denied

Dave D.C. Norman is a freelance contemporary-music journalist.

“Fascinating, innovative, enigmatic and persistent” are recurring
terms in this biography of an artist who has never been content to rest
on his laurels or become complacent in his music. The book chronicles
Neil Young’s early years—in and out of local bands—in Winnipeg,
and the steps he took to enable him to leave Manitoba for the brighter
lights of the United States.

Don’t Be Denied is a tight and organized package that offers the
reader a glimpse into Young’s mysterious “Canadian years,” as well
as a generous number of photos from that period. Einarson took a very
personal route in researching his subject. Who better to question than
Young’s former bandmates and close friends? When asked why he had
never revealed any facts from his childhood, Young simply responds,
“No one ever asked me.”

Included in the biography are the reflections of an artist who prides
himself on his roots, his family, and his humble beginnings.
Little-known facts about Young—his epilepsy and polio
afflictions—shed light on some of his personality traits and fears.
Not a great deal of text is allotted to his relationships. Rather the
focus is on his all-consuming passion—music. Einarson’s account of
the events that helped shape one of Canada’s most creative
singer/songwriters is at once impressive and accessible.