Career Timeline of Jesse Colin Young: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 24, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jesse Colin Young made an impact.

Jesse Colin Young, born Perry Miller, is an American singer-songwriter best known as the lead singer of the 1960s group the Youngbloods. After the group disbanded in 1972, he launched a solo career, releasing several albums with Warner Bros. Records, like 'Song for Juli' and 'Songbird'. He continued to release music through the 1980s, later founding his label, Ridgetop Music, in 1993. Following a fire in 1995, he moved to Hawaii. Diagnosed with Lyme disease in 2012 and retired, but returned to performing in 2016 with his son, releasing 'Dreamers' in 2019.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1961: Transfer to New York University

In 1961, Jesse Colin Young transferred to New York University, balancing studies with performances before becoming a full-time musician and choosing his stage name.

1964: Release of 'The Soul of a City Boy'

In 1964, Jesse Colin Young's debut album, "The Soul of a City Boy", was released.

1965: Release of 'Young Blood'

In 1965, Jesse Colin Young released his second album, "Young Blood", produced by Bobby Scott.

1966: Release of 'Grizzly Bear' and Forming the Youngbloods

In 1966, The Youngbloods released their debut single "Grizzly Bear" after forming as a band with Jerry Corbitt.

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1967: Release of The Youngbloods' Debut Album and 'Get Together'

In 1967, The Youngbloods released their debut album, "The Youngbloods", which included the song "Get Together".

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1969: 'Get Together' becomes an International Hit

In 1969, after being used in a public service commercial, "Get Together" became an international hit for The Youngbloods.

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1969: Release of 'Elephant Mountain' and Young as Main Songwriter

In 1969, during the production of The Youngbloods' album "Elephant Mountain", Jerry Corbitt left the band, and Jesse Colin Young became the group's main songwriter.

November 1972: Disbanding of The Youngbloods

In November 1972, after the release of their final album, High on a Ridge Top, Jesse Colin Young disbanded The Youngbloods.

1972: Dissolution of The Youngbloods

In 1972, The Youngbloods dissolved, leading Jesse Colin Young to embark on a solo career.

1973: Release of 'Song for Juli'

In 1973, Jesse Colin Young released the album "Song for Juli" through Warner Bros. Records as part of his solo career.

1974: Release of 'Light Shine'

In 1974, Jesse Colin Young released the album "Light Shine" through Warner Bros. Records as part of his solo career.

1974: Touring with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

In 1974, Jesse Colin Young toured his fifth album, "Light Shine", as an opening act for Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.

1975: Release of 'Songbird'

In 1975, Jesse Colin Young released the album "Songbird" through Warner Bros. Records as part of his solo career.

1975: Release and Chart Success of 'Songbird'

In 1975, Jesse Colin Young's third Warner album, "Songbird", became his highest charting album, reaching number 26 in the U.S. and number 20 in Canada.

1976: Release of 'On the Road'

In 1976, Jesse Colin Young released the live album "On the Road" through Warner Bros. Records.

1977: Release of 'Love on the Wing'

In 1977, Jesse Colin Young released "Love on the Wing", which charted on the Billboard top 200 albums chart.

1978: Switch to Elektra Records

In 1978, Jesse Colin Young switched labels to Elektra Records and released the album "American Dreams".

1979: Performance at No Nukes Concerts

In 1979, Jesse Colin Young performed as part of the No Nukes protest concerts organized by Musicians United for Safe Energy.

1982: Release of 'The Perfect Stranger'

In 1982, Jesse Colin Young released the album "The Perfect Stranger" on Elektra Records, which did not achieve the same commercial success as his previous works.

1987: Release of 'The Highway Is for Heroes'

In 1987, Jesse Colin Young released "The Highway Is for Heroes" on Cypress Records, which did not meet with as much commercial success as his previous works.