Late Night host Jimmy Fallon stunned fans by assuming his Neil Young character and singing a rendition of Willow Smith's song Whip My Hair with Bruce Springsteen.

Jimmy Fallon credits one of the writers, Mike Dicenzo, for coming up with the idea. He told Rolling Stone magazine: "It was his idea to do the Neil Young [parody], and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and Pants on the Ground.

"We were trying to think of [another one], and he was like, 'Dude, I think I found the song: we should do 'Whip My Hair' by Willow Smith. I listened to the song and went, 'Oh my God, it could be great."

Willow Smith, daughter of Hollywood actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, released her debut song Whip My Hair last month under Jay-Z's label RocNation at the age of 10.

The comedian and keen musician persuaded Bruce Springsteen, his guest that night, to dress as the younger version of himself with a beard, long hair, a floppy hat and his famous sunglasses from the 1970's era.

Fallon's vocal and musical abilities were also applauded by the fans and his resemblance to Neil Young was uncanny.

The show titled Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, first aired in March 2009