The Stray Gators

Neil Youngs Backing Band

The Stray Gators were a backing band that played a significant role in Neil Young's career, particularly during the early 1970s. They were assembled to record Young's 1972 album "Harvest," which became one of his most successful records. The band consisted of talented musicians including Ben Keith on pedal steel guitar, Jack Nitzsche on piano and slide guitar, Tim Drummond on bass, and Kenny Buttrey on drums. Their sound was integral to the country rock aesthetic that defined "Harvest" and contributed to its enduring legacy. The Stray Gators also backed Young on subsequent tours and recordings, helping to shape the sound of his music during this period. While they are not as widely known as Neil Young himself, their musicianship has been recognized for its contribution to the classic sound of his early '70s work.