Jesse Colin Young, the frontman of the iconic band The Youngbloods, has died at the age of 83. Young’s death, confirmed by his publicist Michael Jensen, occurred on March 16, 2025, at his home located in Aiken, South Carolina. He is remembered as not only a talented musician but also as one of the most genuinely kind individuals around, according to his long-time publicist.
Born Perry Miller on November 22, 1941, in Queens, New York, Young made his mark on the music industry as the lead singer and bassist of The Youngbloods. The band, founded in 1965, achieved significant acclaim during the counterculture movement of the 1960s, particularly for their anthem “Get Together.” Initially released as part of their debut album, "The Youngbloods," the song was not immediately successful. It peaked at No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 following its first release.
What changed everything for Young and the band was its reuse in 1969—a public service announcement by the National Conference of Christians and Jews. This renewed exposure led to the song climbing to No. 5 on the charts, establishing it as one of the defining hits of the hippie era. Young's heartfelt vocals paired with the song’s message of peace and unity captured the spirit of the time, leading to its adoption by various artists and its presence on numerous media platforms.
Jensen noted, "He was incredibly active. He was one of the nicest people on the entire planet,” emphasizing Young’s passion for music and connection with his audience. Despite facing numerous challenges, including being diagnosed with Lyme disease, Young’s enthusiasm for music never waned. He initially stepped away from performing around 2012 but made his return to the stage years later, often performing alongside his son, Tristan Young.
Over the decades, Jesse Colin Young released over 15 solo albums, with his latest, Dreamers, hitting shelves as recently as 2019. He was known for continuing to write and record music, reflecting his commitment to his craft even as he approached his final years. His earlier works, such as the album Song for Juli—which included the celebrated track “Darkness, Darkness”—also stand as testaments to his legacy.
Brought to life by the message of connection among individuals, “Get Together” is characterized by its invitation for harmony: “Come on, people now / Smile on your brother / Everybody get together / Try to love one another right now.” This refrain became timeless, appearing not just on the charts but also across various influential media, from films to commercials.
Young's personal life mirrored the passion seen through his musical endeavors. He was married twice, with his first marriage to Suzi Young bringing forth two children, Juli and Cheyenne. His second wife, Connie Darden-Young, who also served as his manager throughout his long career, shared two children with him—Tristan and Jazzie, both of whom are musicians themselves.
Young’s upbringing was adorned with musical influences, authenticated by parental encouragement toward the arts. He first began crafting his talents at Phillips Academy before transferring to New York University, where he immersed himself within the folk music scene alongside rising talents. The transformation from Perry Miller to Jesse Colin Young was one embedded with both history and individuality; he took inspiration from cultural icons, blending them to create his unique persona.
Throughout his career, Young significantly influenced the folk-rock genre, marking his existence not merely through individual hits but through collaborations and songwriting contributions among other artists. This influence extended to acclaimed performers such as Robert Plant, who recorded the track “Darkness, Darkness” for his 2002 album Dreamland, earning himself significant recognition along with Young’s songwriting.
The Youngbloods experienced much success, yet they disbanded in 1971. Despite this, Young's individual spirit carried forth as he continued releasing, writing, and performing, shaping the sound even beyond the life of The Youngbloods. With their cross-country move to Northern California and Young settling primarily between Marin County and spreading his musical messages across the United States, the spirit of Get Together remains alive and well.
Through the trials of his musical career and his unexpected health challenges, Jesse Colin Young persisted. When faced with the desire to retreat, he found renewed excitement through the encounters of new musicians and the desire to finish projects such as his autobiography and creatively contribute to songwriting through various outlets representing youth.
Young’s death marks the closing of yet another chapter within the East Coast and California music history, but the echoes of his music resonate with timeless messages of love and kinship. While the music may fade, Young’s legacy as the voice of unity and connection will continue to inspire hearts everywhere.
Young is survived by Connie, his wife and manager, stating, "Before I leave the planet, I’ve got to play with some of these young people,” reflecting his commitment not just to the past but to nurturing future generations of music.
