Jesse Colin Young, the acclaimed vocalist and leader of the folk-rock group The Youngbloods, passed away at his residence in Aiken, South Carolina, on Sunday, March 16, 2025, at the age of 83.
The Aiken County Coroner’s Office confirmed that he died from complications related to cardiac, atherosclerotic, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, with the death categorized as natural causes.
A statement from Young’s public relations team announced his death: “It is with deep sadness that we announce music legend Jesse Colin Young, who left a unique mark on the intersecting worlds of folk, blues, jazz, country, and rock & roll, died in his home in Aiken, South Carolina yesterday afternoon.”
Born Perry Miller on November 22, 1941, in Queens, New York City, Young gained recognition for his singing on the Youngbloods’ song “Get Together,” which reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969 and became a symbol of peace and unity during the 1960s. Although Young did not write “Get Together,” he composed other popular tracks for the band, such as “Darkness, Darkness,” “Sunlight,” and “Ride the Wind.”
A statement from Young’s team emphasized his role in the counterculture era: “As the frontman of The Youngbloods, he immortalized the ideals of the Woodstock generation with ‘Get Together,’ an international hit that called for peace and brotherhood during the turbulent 1960s.”
Young, along with Jerry Corbitt, Lowell “Banana” Levinger, and Joe Bauer, co-founded The Youngbloods in 1965. They released their debut album in 1967, which included “Get Together.” The track gained further popularity through a public service announcement, eventually reaching the top 5 in the charts. The band’s performances were a fixture at Greenwich Village’s Cafe Au Go Go in New York City.
Following the disbandment of The Youngbloods in 1972, Young pursued a successful solo career, releasing several albums under his name. His records “Light Shine” and “Songbird” both made it into Billboard’s Top 40. Young’s musical style spanned multiple genres, including folk, jazz, blues, country, and rock and roll.
Young was recognized for his advocacy on environmental issues. His team noted that he was “a longtime social/environmental activist, who made modern music that’s every bit as vital as his work during the counterculture era.” He was part of the 1979 No Nukes protest concert, demonstrating his commitment to social causes.
Young’s influence extended beyond his own work. The Youngbloods were frequently played on FM radio stations, and their songs were covered by notable artists. Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin earned a Grammy nomination in 2002 for his rendition of “Darkness, Darkness.”
In an interview about “Get Together,” Young praised the song, saying, “the lyrics are just to die for,” and that performing it “gives me a thrill to play it.”
Later in life, Young dealt with health issues, including a diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease in 2012, which temporarily halted his performances. He eventually found treatment that led to a symptom-free state, allowing his return to the stage in 2016. This resilience allowed him to continue his musical endeavors into his later years.
In 2019, Young released the album “Dreamers,” featuring his son, Tristan Young, on bass. He followed with “Highway Troubadour” in 2020. In his final years, Young was productive, completing his autobiography, working on a children’s book, and recording a new song for Future Youth Records shortly before his death.
Young and his wife Connie established Ridgetop Music in 1993, which served as a platform to release his music and reissue earlier works. He also hosted a podcast later in life, maintaining a connection with his audience through various media.
Throughout his six-decade career, Young remained true to his musical vision, combining socially conscious lyrics with exceptional guitar skills and warm vocals. His contributions to American music helped pioneer the Americana genre and influenced generations of musicians.
Young is survived by his wife and manager, Connie Darden-Young, and his four children. His legacy persists through his extensive recording catalog and the lasting impact of songs like “Get Together,” which continues to advocate for peace and unity.