Jesse Colin Young, the lead singer of The Youngbloods and the voice behind the iconic song Get Together, has passed away at the age of 83. His wife and manager, Connie Young, confirmed that he died at his home in Aiken, South Carolina, on Sunday. The cause of death has not been announced.
Young was a legendary musician who blended folk, blues, jazz, country, and rock & roll. A representative described him as a true artist who left a lasting impact on American music and culture.
“As the frontman of The Youngbloods, he captured the spirit of the Woodstock generation with Get Together, a song that became a powerful call for peace and unity in the 1960s,” the statement read.
Born Perry Miller in Queens, New York, in 1941, Young released his first album, The Soul of a City Boy, in 1964. A year later, he formed The Youngbloods with guitarist Jerry Corbitt. Their song Get Together was first released in 1967 but became a huge hit in 1969 after being featured in a commercial promoting brotherhood and unity.
Though the song was originally written by Chet Powers (also known as Dino Valenti), Young’s version became the most famous, spreading a message of love and togetherness during a time of social turmoil.
After The Youngbloods broke up, Young went on to have a successful solo career, releasing albums like Together (1972) and Swept Away (1994). He retired in 2012 after being diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease but made a triumphant return to music in 2016, continuing to perform until 2023.
Jesse Colin Young leaves behind a musical legacy that spans generations. His voice, his message of peace, and his timeless songs will continue to inspire. He is survived by his wife Connie and their four children.
Rest in peace to a true legend.