[4] However, Larson's own recollection was that the suggestion she record "Lotta Love" originated with Neil Young, with whom she had formed a personal relationship while backing him vocally on American Stars 'n Bars.

'"[5]Neil Young and backing band Crazy Horse recorded "Lotta Love" in January 1976, but the song would not see release until 1978's Comes a Time.

[6] Larson provided background vocals for the album but did not sing on its "Lotta Love" track, a sparse version which emphasized the song's melancholy tone.

Larson's version of "Lotta Love"—which featured a string arrangement by Jimmie Haskell (whose credits include work with Bobbie Gentry), plus a classic soft rock horn riff and a flute solo—presented the song as optimistic.

"[8] Much as extended dance versions of hits by the Doobie Brothers — who Templeman also produced — were released, a 12" single of Larson's "Lotta Love" was issued, with Jim Burgess performing remixing duties: this disco version differentiated from the album track and 7" single in its pure "four on the floor" disco drum track (replacing the radio version's "pop heartbeat" drum rhythm) and a sax solo on the bridge, replacing the 7" single's bridge flute solo which was shifted to an extended intro.

A performance from their October 15 show at St. Paul Civic Center appears on Live Rust, released the following year.

Larson also performed "Lotta Love" at the No Nukes concerts held at Madison Square Garden in September 1979.

In February 1998, friends and associates of Nicolette Larson, who had died on December 16, 1997, performed a tribute at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium which raised over $165,000 for the UCLA Children's Hospital.

Red Hot Chili Peppers covered the song during the Bridge School Benefit concerts (organized by Neil Young) in October 2004.