The Youngbloods: Pioneers of American Folk Rock

The Youngbloods were an American folk rock band that emerged from the vibrant 1960s counterculture. Best known for their 1967 peace anthem "Get Together," the group carved a niche with their blend of folk harmonies, jug band charm, and early country-rock instrumentation.

Early career

The band formed in New York City in 1965, centered around the songwriting partnership of singer-guitarist Jesse Colin Young and keyboardist-guitarist Jerry Corbitt. They were soon joined by bassist and banjo player Lowell "Banana" Levinger and drummer Joe Bauer. Their self-titled debut album, released on RCA Records in 1967, introduced their eclectic, good-time sound.

Breakthrough

The Youngbloods' breakthrough came not with an initial chart rush, but through cultural osmosis. Their cover of Chet Powers' "Get Together" became a slow-burning classic, re-released in 1969 to become a top 5 hit and a platinum-selling anthem for unity. This success propelled their 1969 album Elephant Mountain, recorded after Corbitt's departure and a move to California, to greater attention.

Key tracks

Get Together — The band's signature song, a definitive peace anthem that reached No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969.

Darkness, Darkness — A brooding, psychedelic-tinged rock epic from Elephant Mountain that showcased their deeper musical ambitions.

Grizzly Bear — A lively, jug-band flavored track from their debut that captured their early, rambunctious energy.

Sunlight — A prime example of their later, more laid-back California country-rock sound from the 1971 album Ride the Wind.

Following their peak, The Youngbloods released several more albums, including 1970's Rock Festival and the live Ride the Wind, for labels like Warner Bros. and Raccoon. The band's sound mellowed, embracing country and jazz influences before they disbanded in 1972. Members pursued solo careers, with Jesse Colin Young finding the most success. The original quartet briefly reunited for one final album, High on a Ridge Top, in 1975.

Fans of The Youngbloods' harmonious and melodic folk rock should also explore The Lovin' Spoonful for their similar blend of folk-pop and jug band cheer. The Byrds share the foundational move from folk to country-rock. The Doobie Brothers later channeled a comparable easygoing, harmony-rich California vibe.

The Youngbloods' catalog remains a staple on classic rock FM stations and dedicated online rock radio streams. Their music is frequently featured on channels celebrating the folk rock revolution and the timeless sound of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Listeners can discover the enduring music of The Youngbloods on the classic rock and folk rock radio stations available on onairium.com, where their songs continue to resonate with new generations of fans.