Jesse Colin Young, the distinguished singer and lead member of the folk-rock band The Youngbloods, passed away at his residence in Aiken, South Carolina, on Sunday, March 16, 2025. He was 83 years old.

The Aiken County Coroner’s Office verified that his death resulted from cardiac complications associated with atherosclerotic, and hypertensive cardiovascular disease, categorizing it as a natural death.

Young’s public relations team conveyed his passing in an official statement: “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 fame for his vocals on The Youngbloods’ hit “Get Together,” which climbed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969. Although Young did not pen “Get Together,” he was the composer of several other hits for the band, such as “Darkness, Darkness,” “Sunlight,” and “Ride the Wind.”

The statement from Young’s team emphasized his influence on 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 co-founded The Youngbloods in 1965 alongside Jerry Corbitt, Lowell “Banana” Levinger, and Joe Bauer. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1967, included “Get Together.” The song later gained significant popularity when it was featured in a public service announcement for the National Conference of Christians and Jews, eventually reaching the top 5 on the charts. The band was a regular at Greenwich Village’s Cafe Au Go Go in New York City.

Following The Youngbloods’ disbandment in 1972, Young started a successful solo career, releasing numerous albums under his name. Albums like “Light Shine” and “Songbird” entered Billboard’s Top 40. Throughout his career, Young deftly blended genres such as folk, jazz, blues, country, and rock and roll.

Young was also recognized for his environmental advocacy. 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 a participant in the 1979 No Nukes protest concert, highlighting his commitment to social causes.

Young’s music had a lasting influence beyond his performances. The Youngbloods were a favorite on FM radio during their peak years, and their songs were covered by prominent 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, stating “the lyrics are just to die for,” and noted that performing the anthem “gives me a thrill to play it.”

Young faced health challenges later in life, including a chronic Lyme disease diagnosis in 2012, which temporarily halted his performances. He eventually received treatment that allowed him to return to the stage in 2016, continuing his musical pursuits in ensuing years.

In 2019, Young released the album “Dreamers,” featuring his son, Tristan Young, on bass guitar. He followed up with “Highway Troubadour” in 2020. In his final years, Young remained active—completing his autobiography, working on a children’s book, and recording a new song for Future Youth Records shortly before his passing.

Young co-founded Ridgetop Music with his wife Connie in 1993, serving as a platform to release his music and reissue earlier works. In later years, he also hosted a podcast, maintaining connections with fans through various media.

During his six-decade career, Young remained committed to his musical vision, blending socially conscious lyrics with skilled guitar playing and distinctive vocals. His contributions to American music played a role in pioneering the Americana genre and influencing many musicians.

Young is survived by his wife and manager, Connie Darden-Young, and his four children. His legacy endures through his extensive catalog of recordings and the lasting impact of his most notable songs, particularly “Get Together,” which continues to convey a message of peace and unity.