Jesse Colin Young, the iconic voice behind The Youngbloods and their anthem “Get Together,” passed away on March 16 at the age of 83 in Aiken, South Carolina. Renowned for his masterful fusion of folk, rock, jazz, blues, and country, Young carved out a unique place in American music history. His soulful sound and heartfelt lyrics inspired generations and left an indelible legacy.
Born Perry Miller on November 22, 1941, in Queens, New York, Jesse Colin Young was raised in Pennsylvania. He attended the prestigious Phillips Academy and later Ohio State University, but left college to follow his passion for music.
In the early 1960s, Young released two solo albums before forming The Youngbloods. Their 1967 hit, “Get Together,” became a timeless peace anthem, especially after its powerful resurgence in 1969 during a turbulent era.
Going solo in 1972, Young crafted deeply personal albums such as Song for Juli and Light Shine, weaving social and environmental themes into his heartfelt songs.
Even after a tough battle with Lyme disease in the 1980s, Young never stopped creating and performing. His 2019 album, Dreamers, carried forward his enduring message of unity, hope, and resilience.