Buffalo Springfield: A Brief History of Folk Rock Pioneers

On March 3, 1966, Buffalo Springfield formed in California, becoming a foundational band in the history of folk rock. Though they achieved limited commercial success, their influence on subsequent generations of musicians is undeniable, largely due to the contributions of members Stephen Stills and Neil Young.

Formation and Early Years

Buffalo Springfield emerged from the vibrant music scene of Los Angeles, initially comprised of Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, Dewey Martin and Bruce Palmer. The band quickly gained a reputation for their innovative blend of folk, rock, and country influences.

Musical Contributions and Challenges

Despite their talent, Buffalo Springfield’s career was marked by internal tensions and frequent lineup changes. They released three albums: Buffalo Springfield (1966), Buffalo Springfield Again (1967), and Last Time Around (1968). Notable songs include “For What It’s Worth,” a protest song that became an anthem of the counterculture movement, and “Mr. Soul.”

The Stills-Young Dynamic

The creative partnership between Stephen Stills and Neil Young was central to the band’s sound, but also a source of friction. Young’s tendency to pursue solo projects often disrupted the band’s momentum. In 2012, Stills expressed frustration over a planned Buffalo Springfield reunion tour that was canceled by Young, who opted to work with Crazy Horse. “It left me in a lurch for three quarters and ruined my financial planning. Also, 150 people got laid off that were supposed to work on the tour,” Stills stated in an interview with Rolling Stone. [Source: Rolling Stone]

Later Reunions and Legacy

The surviving members of Buffalo Springfield briefly reunited in 2010 and 2011, performing at the Bridge School Benefit and Bonnaroo. Despite these performances, a full-scale reunion proved elusive. Graham Nash explained that Crosby and Nash offered to cancel their duo tour to support Stills after Young canceled the 2012 tour, demonstrating their commitment to their bandmate. [Source: Rolling Stone]

Recent News

As of March 3, 2026, Stephen Stills is remembered as an “insanely talented musician” by his peers. [Source: Rolling Stone] He has also collaborated with numerous celebrated artists, including Bob Dylan, Percy Sledge, Steve Miller, and Leonard Cohen. [Source: The BRIT Awards]

Key Takeaways

• Buffalo Springfield was a pioneering folk rock band formed in 1966.
• The band featured key members Stephen Stills and Neil Young.
• Internal conflicts and lineup changes hampered the band’s long-term success.
• Buffalo Springfield’s music continues to influence musicians today.