Renowned singer-songwriter Jesse Colin Young, famously known as the lead of the iconic ’60s band The Youngbloods, has sadly passed away at the age of 83. This news marks the end of an era for a legendary figure in the music industry, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on folk-rock and beyond.

In a press release shared by his publicist, it was confirmed that Young “died in his home in Aiken, South Carolina, yesterday afternoon.” Over a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, he released a plethora of albums, with his final work, the solo LP Dreamers, making its debut in 2019. His music resonated with fans worldwide and showcased his profound talent and creativity.

Birthed as Perry Miller on November 22, 1941, in Queens, New York, Young established himself as a pivotal figure in the folk-rock scene. He was a founding member of the Boston-based band The Youngbloods, which he co-founded in 1965. His unique blend of folk and rock elements helped shape the sound of a generation and influenced countless artists who followed.

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In 1966, the band achieved their first notable success, reaching No. 52 on the charts with “Grizzly Bear,” a track penned by fellow band member Jerry Corbitt. The summer of 1967 witnessed the release of “Get Together,” written by Dino Valenti, known by his birth name Chet Powers, with Young delivering the heartfelt lead vocals. This song transcended its time, becoming an anthem for the hippie era and resonating with messages of peace and unity.

Known by various titles such as “Let’s Get Together” and “Everybody Get Together,” this track became a beloved classic, covered by numerous artists including the Kingston Trio, We Five—who produced the first charting version—Jefferson Airplane, and the Dave Clark Five. Its enduring legacy includes being referenced by Nirvana in their iconic song “Territorial Pissings” from the acclaimed album Nevermind, showcasing its profound impact on music history.

The Youngbloods’ rendition of “Get Together” became a cultural standard. Although its initial release in 1967 peaked at No. 62, the single enjoyed a resurgence in popularity when it was reissued in 1969, ultimately climbing to an impressive No. 5 on the charts. This revival solidified the song’s status as a timeless classic.

Among the band’s significant achievements, their third album, Elephant Mountain, released in 1969, remains a standout. The opening track, “Darkness, Darkness,” poignantly addresses the Vietnam War, penned and performed by Young from a soldier’s perspective. This powerful song resonates with listeners for its emotional depth and relevance.

Notably, Robert Plant later covered “Darkness, Darkness,” earning a Grammy nomination for his interpretation in the 2002 album Dreamland, which further attests to the song’s lasting influence in the music world.

Although The Youngbloods disbanded in 1971, Young embarked on a successful solo career, releasing over a dozen records throughout the decades. While his most successful solo single, “Higher & Higher,” fell short of the Top 100 in 1977, he consistently produced albums that became steady sellers throughout the 1970s. Eight of his solo albums during that decade charted, with the notable 1975 release Songbird reaching an impressive No. 26.

After receiving a diagnosis of Lyme disease in 2012, Young made the difficult decision to retire from music. However, in a heartening turn of events, he resumed performing four years later alongside his son, which culminated in the release of Dreamers in 2019, marking a triumphant return to the stage.