Jesse Colin Young, the frontman and co-founder of The Youngbloods has passed away. He was 83 years old.
On Monday (3.17,) Connie Young, the musician’s wife and manager confirmed Young’s death at his home in Aiken, South Carolina the previous day.
Perhaps best known for the iconic song ‘Get Together,’ a representative for the family described Young as a prolific artist who left a “unique mark on the intersecting worlds of folk, blues, jazz, country, and rock & roll” adding:
“As the frontman of The Youngbloods, he immortalised the ideals of the Woodstock generation with Get Together, an international hit that called for peace and brotherhood during the turbulent 1960s.” “An acclaimed songwriter, singer, instrumentalist, producer, label owner, podcast host, and longtime social/environmental activist, he has established a permanent place in America’s musical landscape, while continuing to make modern music that’s every bit as vital as his work during the counterculture era.”
Born Perry Miller in Queens, New York in 1941, Young released his debut album The Soul of a City Boy, in 1964 but it was when he formed a duo called The Youngbloods alongside folk singer and guitarist Jerry Corbitt in 1965, that the musician rose to prominence when
The pair released the single ‘Get Together’ in 1967, and once it was used in a commercial for the National Council of Christians and Jews as a call for brotherhood in 1969, it became an international hit. The tune was originally written and recorded as ‘Let’s Get Together’ by Chet Powers, using the stage name Dino Valenti.
Once The Youngbloods broke up, Young pursued a solo career and dropped the LP Together in 1972 and 14 other albums included 1994’s Swept Away.
After Young retired in 2012 after being diagnosed with “chronic Lyme disease,” he started making music again four years later and continued to perform up until 2023.
While his cause of death has not yet been announced, Jesse Colin Young is survived by his wife Connie and his four children.
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Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Toglenn