After completing GIT in 1985, the Michigan native briefly taught guitar before joining Megadeth in 1987 to record and tour behind their platinum album So Far, So Good�So What! While Young found himself in the exciting epicenter of thrash metal, his own musical tastes extended well beyond that genre.

After leaving Megadeth and immersing himself for several years in studies of classical, flamenco, gypsy jazz and other world music styles, he resurfaced in the late 90s with a new musical partner, Brazilian singer, songwriter and guitarist Badi Assad. His three-year collaboration with Assad (1997-2000) resulted in their dual recording Badi Assad � Chameleon, a #1 hit in Europe. The two opened concerts for such artists as Joe Cocker and Cassandra Wilson and performed at Lilith Fair in 1999 and Farm Aid in 2000.