[Steve_Seattle]

" . . . at a time when Manson was an up and coming talent, one that had started to make waves in California and caught Young’s attention."

That's not how I remember it. From things I read at the time, he was a no-talent weirdo with artistic and musical pretensions, kind of like a sane version of Yoko Ono. He was a hanger-on type, familiar to most musicians.

[IrishBrigade]

‘From things I read at the time, he was a no-talent weirdo with artistic and musical pretensions...’

he had a marginal talent as a songwriter, but was an abysmal guitar player...

[A Navy Vet]

"He was a hanger-on type, familiar to most musicians."

Yup, he was a wannabe with no talent. He even hung out with one of the Beach Boys for a short time. I forget which one. Think it was the the youngest who played the drums. Dennis?

[KevinB]

That's not how I remember it. From things I read at the time, he was a no-talent weirdo with artistic and musical pretensions

Here's Neil in his own words on the subject. Neil thought enough of him to recommend him to his record company.

Neil Young on Charlie Manson

[Cecily]

“... kind of like a sane version of Yoko Ono.”

I think you mean kind of like a male version of Yoko Ono. Both were/are quite loony.

[lee martell]

One of the people Manson hung out with was a member of the Beach Boys. I dont recall which one. This member of the Beach Boys introduced Charlie to Terry Melcher, a record producer. Terry was Doris Days son.