Jesse Colin Young, the legendary voice behind the folk rock band the Youngbloods, left an indelible mark on the music world before passing away at the age of 83. His rich, soulful vocals became a symbol of the 1960s counterculture, giving voice to a generation that longed for unity, peace, and change. Young died on Sunday at his home in Aiken, S.C., from a heart attack, as confirmed by his publicist, Michael Jensen.
Despite his age, Young remained incredibly active up until his final days. He had just finished writing his autobiography, was working on a children's book, and had recently contributed to a song for Future Youth Records. "He was an incredibly active guy," Jensen shared. "He was a client for many, many years, but more importantly, he was one of the nicest people on the entire planet. He was a great human being, and I'm heartbroken."
The Early Days: From Boston to the Youngbloods
Young's musical journey began in the New England folk scene of the 1960s, where he released his debut solo record, The Soul of a City Boy. His breakthrough moment came when a DJ played his song "Four in the Morning," drawing attention to his talent. Playing gigs at Club 47—one of the central hubs of the folk music revival—Young quickly found himself immersed in the Boston club scene.
It was during this time that he met guitarist Jerry Corbitt. The two connected over their passion for music and decided to form a band. Thus, the Youngbloods were born. The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 1967, initially flew under the radar, peaking at No. 131 on the Billboard 200. But fate had bigger plans.
"Get Together": A Song for the Ages
Two years later, their single Get Together found new life when it was featured in a public service announcement by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. The song quickly climbed the charts, reaching No. 5 and cementing its place as an anthem of peace and unity.
Young once recounted how he first discovered the song in an interview with the Arts Fuse in 2018. He heard performer and songwriter Buzzy Linhart sing it at an open mic at Café Au Go Go in Greenwich Village. "I rushed backstage and said, 'Oh man, I need the lyrics. I love that song. I want to take it into rehearsal with the Youngbloods.' And the rest is history."
The song's chorus—"Come on, people now / Smile on your brother / Everybody get together / Try to love one another right now"—became a powerful rallying cry during the turbulent 1960s. Its hopeful message endured for decades, appearing in Forrest Gump, The Simpsons, and even a Walmart commercial.
Moving West and Creating Timeless Music
After achieving success, the Youngbloods moved from New York to Northern California in 1967, settling into the Bay Area’s vibrant music scene. Young penned and contributed to many of the band’s songs, including Sugar Babe, Quicksand, and Darkness Darkness. The latter was later covered by Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant, a testament to the song's lasting influence.
One of Young’s most personal songs, Ridgetop, was inspired by his home in Point Reyes, California. Tragically, in 1995, that very home was destroyed in a fire that tore through the region. His connection to the place was so deep that it became the focus of a 2023 documentary, High on a Ridgetop, which was screened at the Grammy Museum.
A Solo Career and a Late Comeback
Following the Youngbloods’ breakup in 1972, Young embarked on a successful solo career, recording over 15 albums. He continued making music until 2012, when he was forced to step away due to his battle with Lyme disease. But music was never far from his heart.
His passion for performing reignited in an unexpected way—while attending his son Tristan’s senior recital at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Speaking to the Peninsula Daily News in 2018, Young recalled, "It just blew me away. Whatever light that went off in my heart came back on. I thought, 'Before I leave the planet, I’ve got to play with some of these young people.'"
He made a triumphant return to the stage and released his final album, Dreamers, in 2019. His voice, though aged by time, still carried the same passion and message of unity that had defined his career.
A Legacy of Love and Music
Jesse Colin Young leaves behind an enduring legacy—not just through his music, but through the lives he touched. He is survived by his wife and manager, Connie Darden-Young, and his children: Tristan Young, Jazzie Young, Juli Young, and Cheyenne Young.
His story is one of resilience, inspiration, and a relentless pursuit of harmony in a world that often feels divided. His music continues to resonate, reminding us that the power of song can bring people together, now and always.
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