Ever wondered what happened to the members of Buffalo Springfield after their legendary two-year run? From 1966 to today, the story of Buffalo Springfield’s members reads like a classic rock odyssey filled with monumental success, creative tensions, and lasting musical legacies.
Whether you’re curious about the original lineup, the member changes that shaped their sound, or where these classic rock artists ended up, this complete guide reveals the full story behind one of music’s most influential classic rock bands.
The members of Buffalo Springfield went on to form some of the biggest names in rock history, making their brief collaboration one of the most consequential in popular music.
📋 Table of Contents [+]
The Original Members of Buffalo Springfield
The members of Buffalo Springfield came together through one of rock history’s most famous chance encounters. The original lineup consisted of five talented musicians: Stephen Stills (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Neil Young (guitar, harmonica, piano, vocals), Richie Furay (guitar, vocals), Bruce Palmer (bass guitar), and Dewey Martin (drums, vocals).
How Buffalo Springfield Came Together
Buffalo Springfield formed in Los Angeles in April 1966 following a fortuitous traffic jam encounter on Sunset Boulevard.
Stephen Stills and Richie Furay, veterans of the Greenwich Village folk scene and former members of the Au Go Go Singers, were stuck in traffic when they spotted a distinctive black hearse with Canadian plates.
Inside were Neil Young and Bruce Palmer, who had driven down from Toronto after their band The Mynah Birds disbanded when frontman Rick James was arrested for going AWOL from the U.S. Naval Reserves.
The four musicians pulled over and immediately recognized the potential for collaboration.
Within days, they recruited drummer Dewey Martin, who had previously played with country rock pioneers The Dillards and worked as a session musician in Nashville with legends like Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, and the Everly Brothers.
The band took their name from a Buffalo Springfield Roller Company steamroller parked outside producer Barry Friedman’s house where Stills and Furay were staying.
Early Musical Background of Key Members
Each founding member brought unique musical experiences that shaped Buffalo Springfield’s distinctive sound.
Stephen Stills had cut his teeth in the Greenwich Village folk scene and had unsuccessfully auditioned for The Monkees before forming Buffalo Springfield.
Neil Young had led various Canadian bands including The Squires and The Mynah Birds, developing his distinctive guitar style and songwriting approach.
Richie Furay’s folk background complemented his natural harmony vocals, while Bruce Palmer’s bass playing provided the rhythmic foundation that made the band’s music “move,” as Furay later described it.
Dewey Martin‘s Nashville experience gave the band its country-rock edge that would influence countless artists in the 1970s.
Buffalo Springfield Lineup Changes
Despite their brief two-year existence, the members of Buffalo Springfield experienced numerous lineup changes that significantly impacted their trajectory and sound evolution.
Bruce Palmer’s Deportations and Returns
Bruce Palmer‘s ongoing legal troubles became a constant source of instability for Buffalo Springfield.
Palmer was arrested multiple times for marijuana possession, and his first deportation occurred in January 1967 when he was detained in New York City during a club engagement.
This forced the band to rely on rotating bassists including Jim Fielder and Ken Koblun while Palmer was banned from the United States.
Palmer managed to re-enter the U.S. illegally in May 1967, disguised as a businessman with his hair cut short and wearing a suit and tie.
However, his continued arrests and deportations led to a permanent loss of trust within the band.
Even after his return, Buffalo Springfield increasingly relied on session musicians for recording, limiting Palmer’s contributions to their later work.
New Blood: Jim Messina and Other Later Members
In January 1968, Palmer was officially replaced by Jim Messina, who brought production skills along with his bass playing abilities.
Messina’s technical expertise helped complete their final album, Last Time Around, and his influence extended beyond just bass duties as he took on significant production responsibilities that shaped the band’s sound during their final phase.
The constant personnel changes, combined with rising tensions between Neil Young and Stephen Stills, ultimately led to Buffalo Springfield’s disbandment on May 5, 1968, after a final concert at the Long Beach Sports Arena.
Where Are the Members of Buffalo Springfield Today?
The surviving members of Buffalo Springfield have continued making music well into their golden years, with recent performances proving their enduring chemistry and talent.
Neil Young: 80 Years Old and Still Making History
Neil Young celebrated his 80th birthday on November 12, 2025, cementing his place as one of rock’s most remarkably enduring artists.
In 2025, Young released Talkin to the Trees, his 49th studio album, recorded at Shangri-La Studios in Malibu with his new touring band the Chrome Hearts — featuring organist Spooner Oldham, guitarist Micah Nelson, bassist Corey McCormick, and drummer Anthony LoGerfo. The album received generally favorable reviews, with critics praising its eclectic mix of acoustic folk, raw electric blues, and politically charged songwriting.
On April 26, 2025, Young headlined the seventh annual Light Up the Blues benefit concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles alongside Stephen Stills, performing in support of Autism Speaks. The two Buffalo Springfield co-founders closed the night with a thunderous version of “Rockin’ in the Free World,” demonstrating their chemistry remains undimmed after nearly six decades.
Young and the Chrome Hearts wrapped their worldwide Love Earth Tour in October 2025 at the Painted Turtle benefit concert in California, following shows across Europe and North America. In a surprise development, Young announced on February 6, 2026, that he was canceling all planned 2026 European tour dates — 13 shows spanning the UK, Ireland, and Europe — citing the need for a break. Check our Neil Young 2026 tour cancellation coverage for the latest details, and see the complete Neil Young tour schedule for updates.
Following Buffalo Springfield’s breakup, Young launched a legendary solo career and formed the supergroup Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. His solo albums like Harvest and After the Gold Rush established him as one of rock’s most important voices.
Young’s influence on grunge music earned him the nickname “Godfather of Grunge,” and his 1995 collaboration with Pearl Jam on Mirror Ball proved his relevance across generations. As of early 2026, his complete discography spans more than two dozen releases this decade alone — an output that staggers even his most devoted fans.
Explore our deep dives into Rust Never Sleeps, Tonight’s the Night, Freedom, his self-titled debut, and Harvest Moon for a comprehensive look at his extraordinary catalog. For a snapshot of his biggest hits, see our piece on Heart of Gold, the song that defined a generation.
Stephen Stills: Sober, Reflective, and Still Rocking at 81
Stephen Stills, who turned 81 on January 3, 2026, has entered what may be the most personally settled chapter of his life.
In a significant development reported in mid-2025, Stills celebrated three years of sobriety, crediting it with restoring what he calls his “original personality.” Friends and collaborators describe him as more focused, reflective, and energized than he has been in years, with a renewed sense of creative purpose.
His January 30, 2025, appearance at the FireAid benefit concert in Los Angeles was a landmark moment, reuniting him with Graham Nash for the first time since 2016. Stills performed “For What It’s Worth” with Dawes and guitarist Mike Campbell, before Nash joined them for “Teach Your Children” — a reunion that left many fans wondering whether CSN might finally make peace after years of public friction.
Then on April 26, 2025, Stills shared the stage with Neil Young at the Light Up the Blues 7 concert at the Greek Theatre — a night that captured the enduring power of the Buffalo Springfield connection in front of a star-studded Los Angeles crowd.
Stills is also at work on a memoir, meticulously revisiting archives and interviews from across his career. He has confirmed at least one 2026 performance — a March 7 show at Pasadena Civic Auditorium alongside Dawes, Eric Krasno, and Aloe Blacc — suggesting he remains selective but engaged with live music.
After Buffalo Springfield disbanded, Stills formed the supergroup Crosby, Stills & Nash, which became one of the most successful groups of the 1970s. His solo career produced hits like “Love the One You’re With,” and his debut album featured collaborations with Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, and Ringo Starr. His classic “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes” remains one of the most celebrated compositions in folk-rock history.
Stills was the first person to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the same night — once for Buffalo Springfield and once for Crosby, Stills & Nash — a distinction that speaks to the outsized impact of his contributions to rock history.
Richie Furay: From Rock Star to Pastor and Back Again
Richie Furay took a dramatically different path from his Buffalo Springfield bandmates, yet he arrives at age 81 as arguably the most spiritually grounded of the three surviving original members.
After forming the country-rock band Poco and later the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, Furay converted to Christianity and became a full-time pastor at Calvary Chapel in Broomfield, Colorado, serving for 35 years before retiring from ministry in December 2017. The experience gave him a peace at the center that informs all his music-making today.
Furay continues to tour with his acoustic trio — featuring Jesse Lynch and Dan Skarda — playing intimate venues where his voice, remarkably intact at 81, brings audiences back to the golden era of Buffalo Springfield and Poco. He has 2026 concert dates confirmed, including a May 18 show at Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, Maryland.
On the recording front, Furay released In the Country in July 2022 — his first studio album in seven years — a critically praised collection of country classics produced by longtime collaborator Val Garay and recorded at Nashville’s prestigious Blackbird Studio. The album featured guest appearances from Vince Gill and Timothy B. Schmit, and included a new take on the Poco signature “Pickin’ Up the Pieces.” Explore his full album history at our Richie Furay albums guide.
The long-anticipated documentary about Furay’s career, Through It All: The Life and Influence of Richie Furay — narrated by Cameron Crowe — is nearing release. The film features rare archival footage and on-camera interviews with Furay, Stills, and Young, all conducted by Crowe. At an Eagles concert in Denver some years ago, Glenn Frey pointed Furay out in the audience and told the crowd, “If it wasn’t for you, we wouldn’t be here” — and the film aims to finally give that legacy its proper due.
Furay participated in Buffalo Springfield’s 2011 reunion tour and maintains an active social media presence, connecting with fans about his musical legacy and faith. For full coverage of his solo discography and career milestones, visit our Richie Furay biography.
Remembering the Departed Members
Sadly, two original members of Buffalo Springfield have passed away.
Bruce Palmer died of a heart attack on October 1, 2004, at age 58. Despite his troubled relationship with U.S. immigration authorities, Palmer’s bass playing was fundamental to Buffalo Springfield’s sound.
Dewey Martin died on February 1, 2009, at age 68, found in his Van Nuys apartment with the cause believed to be natural causes. Martin had attempted to keep the Buffalo Springfield name alive through various incarnations including Buffalo Springfield Revisited with Bruce Palmer in the mid-1980s.
Musical Legacy of Buffalo Springfield Members
The members of Buffalo Springfield created a musical legacy that far exceeded their brief two-year existence, influencing generations of musicians and establishing the template for country-rock music.
Songwriting Contributions by Each Member
Each member contributed uniquely to Buffalo Springfield’s songbook.
Stephen Stills wrote their most famous song “For What It’s Worth,” a protest anthem that became synonymous with 1960s social upheaval. He also contributed “Bluebird,” “Rock & Roll Woman,” and “Sit Down, I Think I Love You.”
Neil Young’s contributions included “Mr. Soul,” “Broken Arrow,” and “Nowadays Clancy Can’t Even Sing,” establishing his reputation as one of rock’s most distinctive songwriters.
Richie Furay penned several songs including “A Child’s Claim to Fame,” which he wrote about his frustrations with Neil Young’s frequent departures from the band. Of the 35 songs released during Buffalo Springfield’s existence, Furay sang lead or co-lead vocals on 15 tracks, second only to Stephen Stills with 16.
Dewey Martin contributed vocals to “Good Time Boy” and provided the rhythmic foundation that Neil Young praised in his autobiography.
Post-Band Success Stories
The post-Buffalo Springfield careers of its members read like a who’s who of classic rock history.
The formation of Crosby, Stills & Nash created one of the most successful supergroups ever, with their debut album achieving massive commercial and critical success. When Neil Young joined them intermittently as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, they created albums like Déjà Vu that defined an entire generation’s musical experience.
Richie Furay’s formation of Poco with Jim Messina pioneered the country-rock sound that influenced the Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, and countless other artists throughout the 1970s. Messina’s later albums with Loggins & Messina — including Sittin’ In, Full Sail, and their self-titled album — became enduring classics. Read the full story in our Jim Messina biography.
The ripple effects of Buffalo Springfield’s brief existence continue to influence modern artists, with their songs regularly covered and their approach to blending folk, country, and rock serving as a template for contemporary musicians.
What Makes Buffalo Springfield’s Legacy Unique: Content Other Sites Miss
Most articles about the members of Buffalo Springfield focus on the famous origin story and the supergroup careers that followed. But there are several dimensions of their legacy that rarely receive the attention they deserve.
The producer who never gets credit: Jim Messina joined Buffalo Springfield as a bassist in January 1968, but his most lasting contribution was as a producer. When the band was fracturing, Messina essentially held the Last Time Around sessions together, applying production discipline to a group that had largely stopped functioning as a unit. Without his behind-the-scenes work, Buffalo Springfield’s swan song might never have reached listeners at all.
The country-rock ripple effect: Furay’s influence on country-rock is universally acknowledged but rarely traced precisely. When Poco debuted in 1969, they were playing to half-empty rooms. Within five years, the Eagles — who had watched Poco rehearse in Furay’s living room — were among the biggest acts in the world. Glenn Frey’s tribute to Furay at a Denver concert was not mere courtesy; it was an honest accounting of artistic debt. Explore that lineage in our Richie Furay albums guide.
Stills and Young’s overlooked chemistry: Most write-ups frame the Stills-Young relationship as a rivalry, but the ongoing friendship — evidenced by their joint appearances at Light Up the Blues 2025, the 2024 Harvest Moon benefit, and the celebrated 2011 Buffalo Springfield reunion — tells a different story. They are creative contraries who generate something neither can quite produce alone.
The What’s That Sound box set: For readers who want the definitive Buffalo Springfield listening experience, the What’s That Sound: Complete Albums Collection gathers all three studio albums in one package and reveals just how much ground the band covered in two short years.
Stills at FireAid — a sign of things to come?: The January 2025 FireAid performance was notable not only for Stills and Nash sharing a stage for the first time in nearly nine years, but also for the absence of rancor that had defined their public split. With Stills sober and reflective, and reportedly working on a memoir that revisits the CSN years, some fans are daring to hope for at least a symbolic reconciliation.
Essential Buffalo Springfield Albums Featuring Different Lineups
Buffalo Springfield’s three studio albums showcase the evolution of their sound and the impact of changing lineups on their musical direction.
Buffalo Springfield (1966)
Featuring: Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer, Dewey Martin
This debut album established their folk-rock foundation and includes their breakout hit “For What It’s Worth,” though the song was added to later pressings after its initial success.
Buffalo Springfield Again (1967)
Featuring: Core lineup with rotating bassists due to Palmer’s legal troubles
Often considered their masterpiece, this album marked their progression toward psychedelia and hard rock, featuring classics like “Bluebird,” “Mr. Soul,” and “Expecting to Fly.”
Last Time Around (1968)
Featuring: Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, Jim Messina, Dewey Martin
Completed after the band’s dissolution, this album showcased Jim Messina’s production skills and included some of their most mature songwriting.
For the full picture including compilations and box sets, visit our What’s That Sound Complete Albums Collection review. And for context on the era, see our complete Buffalo Springfield members guide and the story behind “For What It’s Worth” in 1967.
Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Springfield Members
Who were the original members of Buffalo Springfield?
The original members of Buffalo Springfield were Stephen Stills (guitar, keyboards, vocals), Neil Young (guitar, harmonica, piano, vocals), Richie Furay (guitar, vocals), Bruce Palmer (bass guitar), and Dewey Martin (drums, vocals).
Are any members of Buffalo Springfield still alive?
Yes, three of the five original members are still alive: Neil Young (80), Stephen Stills (81), and Richie Furay (81). Bruce Palmer died in 2004, and Dewey Martin died in 2009.
What are the members of Buffalo Springfield doing now?
Neil Young released his 49th studio album Talkin to the Trees in June 2025 and toured with his new band the Chrome Hearts, though he canceled all 2026 European tour dates in February 2026. Stephen Stills celebrated three years of sobriety in 2025, reunited with Graham Nash at FireAid in January 2025, and is writing a memoir. Richie Furay continues touring with his acoustic trio into 2026 and is awaiting the release of his career documentary narrated by Cameron Crowe.
Why did Bruce Palmer leave Buffalo Springfield?
Bruce Palmer didn’t voluntarily leave — he was repeatedly arrested for drug possession and deported from the United States multiple times. His legal troubles and inability to maintain steady residency in the U.S. made his continued participation impossible.
How many members did Buffalo Springfield have throughout their existence?
Buffalo Springfield had five core members, with Jim Messina joining as an official replacement for Bruce Palmer in 1968. Several other musicians filled in temporarily, including Jim Fielder and Ken Koblun on bass during Palmer’s deportations.
Did Buffalo Springfield ever reunite?
Yes — in 2011, Young, Stills, Furay, and Dewey Martin reunited for a full tour, their first together in over 40 years. The reunion was widely celebrated and captured the enduring magic of their original chemistry. There has been no further reunion since, though the three surviving members remain in contact and have appeared publicly together on multiple occasions.
What band did Richie Furay form after Buffalo Springfield?
Furay co-founded Poco with Jim Messina, Rusty Young, Randy Meisner, and George Grantham in 1968 — a band that became the direct blueprint for the country-rock sound of the 1970s. He later joined the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band before pursuing a solo career and entering the ministry. Explore our Richie Furay albums guide for the full story.
What is Neil Young’s most recent album?
Neil Young’s most recent studio album is Talkin to the Trees, released June 13, 2025, with his band the Chrome Hearts. It is his 49th studio album and received generally favorable reviews. See our full Neil Young album reviews for deep dives into his catalog.
Want to dive deeper into Buffalo Springfield’s music? Explore this complete discography guide and discover the albums that made these classic rock legends immortal. For more on each member’s journey, read our individual profiles of Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer, Dewey Martin, and Jim Messina.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. This helps support the site and allows me to continue bringing you classic rock content. All album recommendations are based on their musical merit and historical significance.
Sources:
Buffalo Springfield — Wikipedia
Buffalo Springfield — Encyclopedia Britannica
Buffalo Springfield — Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Neil Young — Wikipedia
Stephen Stills — Wikipedia
Richie Furay — Wikipedia
Neil Young Cancels 2026 Tour — Rolling Stone
Light Up The Blues 7 Concert — Best Classic Bands
Stephen Stills Three Years Sobriety — AXS TV
Last updated: February 19, 2026