A defining voice of the 1960s counterculture movement has fallen silent, marking the end of an era in American folk-rock music.
According to Yahoo Entertainment, Jesse Colin Young, the lead singer and co-founder of the influential band the Youngbloods, passed away at his residence in Aiken, South Carolina, on Sunday, March 16, at the age of 83.
Young's wife and manager, Connie Young, confirmed his death, though the specific cause remains undisclosed. The musician's legacy spans decades of musical innovation, particularly remembered for the iconic peace anthem "Get Together," which became a defining song of the 1960s counterculture movement.
Born to a musical family on November 22, 1941, Young's early exposure to music came through classical training in piano and guitar. His mother, a violinist and singer, laid the foundation for his future musical career. Young's passion for blues and early rock & roll eventually drew him to New York's Greenwich Village scene.
Before forming the Youngbloods, Young released two solo folk albums in the mid-1960s: "The Soul of a City Boy" and "Young Blood." These early works showcased his emerging talent and set the stage for his future success.
The formation of the Youngbloods came after Young's fortuitous meeting with guitarist Jerry Corbitt. Together with pianist Lovell Levinger and drummer Joe Bauer, they created a unique sound that would influence generations of musicians.
The band's journey to mainstream success took an unexpected turn with their signature song, "Get Together." Young's wife, Connie, shared the following statement about his artistic range:
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 countercultural era.
Initially released in 1967, "Get Together" reached only number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, the song found new life in 1969 when it was featured in a National Conference of Jews and Christians PSA, eventually climbing to number five on the charts.
The song's message of unity and brotherhood became particularly resonant during the tumultuous end of the 1960s. Its memorable chorus, delivered by Young, became an anthem for peace and understanding during a period of social upheaval.
After the Youngbloods disbanded in 1972, Young embarked on a successful solo career. Throughout the 1970s, he released several well-received albums, including "Song for Juli" (1973) and "Songbird" (1975).
Young's commitment to social causes remained strong, as evidenced by his participation in the "No Nukes" concert series at Madison Square Garden in 1979. His performance of "Get Together" at these shows was included in the live album documenting the historic events.
In 1993, Young and his wife, Connie, established Ridgetop Music, their own record label. Despite facing health challenges, including a Lyme's disease diagnosis in 2012 that temporarily halted his touring, Young maintained his creative output through YouTube performances and documentation of his recovery.
Jesse Colin Young's impact on American music spans over six decades, from his early folk recordings to his final album "Dreamers" in 2019. His versatility as an artist encompassed folk, blues, jazz, country, and rock & roll. Young's ability to blend socially conscious lyrics with exceptional musicianship created a lasting influence on multiple generations of musicians. His work with the Youngbloods and as a solo artist continues to resonate with audiences seeking messages of peace and unity.
