Jesse Colin Young, the heartfelt tenor behind the Youngbloods’ timeless 1969 anthem Get Together, passed away on Sunday at his home in Aiken, South Carolina. He was 83. His publicist, Michael Jensen, announced his death but did not specify the cause.
Though Young didn’t write Get Together—it was composed by folk singer Chet Powers—his tender vocals immortalized the song, making it one of the most beloved anthems of the 1960s. The chorus, “Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now,” became a defining refrain of the era.
“The lyrics are just to die for,” Young told The Arts Fuse in 2018. “To this day, it gives me a thrill to play it.”
As the leader of the Youngbloods, Young penned many of the band’s signature songs, including Darkness, Darkness, a haunting reflection on the Vietnam War; Sunlight, a passionate ode to love; and Ride the Wind, a jazzy celebration of freedom. His music often drew inspiration from nature, a theme that resonated deeply with him.
“Love of the natural world is as much a theme in my music as romantic love,” Young told Music Aficionado in 2016. “I get more out of walking over the ridgetop in Marin and looking out at the national seashore than any drugs I ever did.”
Young’s voice, marked by its boyish pitch and emotional depth, blended innocence with musical sophistication. His work spanned genres like folk, R&B, jazz, and psychedelia, influencing both his band’s repertoire and his solo career. In the mid-1970s, he released successful solo albums like Light Shine and Songbird, both of which broke into the Billboard Top 40.
While the Youngbloods’ albums didn’t achieve the same chart success, their songs became staples on FM radio and inspired covers by artists like Robert Plant, Mott the Hoople, and Richie Havens. Plant’s rendition of Darkness, Darkness even earned a Grammy nomination in 2002.
Get Together became a cultural touchstone, covered by artists ranging from Joni Mitchell to Nancy Wilson of Heart. Even Nirvana referenced its lyrics in their 1991 song Territorial Pissings, showcasing its enduring influence.
Jesse Colin Young’s music captured the spirit of an era and continues to inspire generations. His legacy as a voice of peace, love, and natural beauty remains etched in the hearts of fans worldwide.
