Jesse Colin Young, the renowned guitarist, singer, and legendary frontman of the classic rock band The Youngbloods, has passed away at the age of 83. The sad news was confirmed by a representative to PEOPLE magazine on Sunday, March 16, causing deep sorrow among music fans worldwide and throughout the artistic community.
“With profound sadness, we announce the passing of music legend Jesse Colin Young, who left a unique and irreplaceable mark on the intersecting worlds of folk, blues, jazz, country, and rock & roll,” the official statement read. “He passed away yesterday afternoon at his home in Aiken, South Carolina, surrounded by the peace and memories of a life rich in artistic achievement.”
The statement went on to highlight Young’s extraordinary impact as the central figure of The Youngbloods. “As the band’s frontman, he immortalized the ideals of the Woodstock generation through ‘Get Together,’ an international hit that became a powerful symbol of peace, unity, and brotherhood during the turbulent years of the 1960s.”
The song “Get Together” remains to this day an enduring anthem of hope and togetherness, reflecting the spirit of an era that sought social change, universal love, and peaceful resistance in the face of political and cultural conflict. Young’s warm, gentle voice, combined with the song’s profound message, made him a defining figure of the American countercultural movement.
Jesse Colin Young was born Perry Miller on November 22, 1941, in Queens, New York. From an early age, he showed a strong interest and natural talent for music, drawing inspiration from American folk traditions and blues influences. Over time, he became a respected singer-songwriter and guitarist, known for his artistic sensitivity and musical integrity.
His career spanned more than six decades, during which he not only left a lasting impact on folk and rock music but also emerged as one of the most representative voices of the 1960s counterculture. Through his music, Jesse Colin Young leaves behind a rich legacy that continues to inspire new generations of artists and listeners around the world.