Jesse Colin Young, the frontman of The Youngbloods, died at 83 in Aiken, South Carolina, on March 16. Known for blending folk, rock, jazz, blues, and country, he left a lasting mark on music.
Born Perry Miller in Queens, New York, on November 22, 1941, he grew up in Pennsylvania, attended Phillips Academy, and later Ohio State University before leaving to pursue music.
He released two solo albums in the early 1960s before forming The Youngbloods, whose 1967 hit “Get Together” became a peace anthem after its 1969 re-release.
After going solo in 1972, he produced albums like *Song for Juli* and *Light Shine*, often focused on social and environmental themes.
Despite battling Lyme disease in the 1980s, he continued to perform and release music, including his 2019 album *Dreamers*, staying true to his message of unity and hope.