When and why did The Youngbloods disband? Details explored as frontman Jesse Colin Young dies at 83

The Youngbloods, best known for their 1969 hit single Get Together, started in 1965. The band originally featured Jesse Colin Young (vocals, bass, guitar), Jerry Corbitt (guitar, vocals), Lowell "Banana" Levinger (electric piano, guitar), and Joe Bauer (drums).

They came into the folk-rock genre of the late 1960s, blending folk, blues, jazz, and country music. Although their self-titled debut album in 1967 obtained little attention; Get Together became the anthem of the peace movement of the era.

When it was re-released in 1969, it pushed the song to the top five of the Billboard Hot 100. Nevertheless, despite the success; tensions within the band led to its breakup in 1972. Although Jesse Colin Young chose to go solo after the breakup and went on to release his new work.

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Jerry Corbitt's 1969 exit was the first indication of instability

By 1969, tensions in the band were increasing, especially between Jerry Corbitt and Jesse Colin Young. Corbitt was an important part of the band's early success, helping with songwriting and the sound of the band.

Creative differences between him and Young, though, became a significant problem. Jesse Colin wished to steer the band into a new musical direction, and Corbitt had his ideas.

Corbitt quit the group in 1969. This was the start of the downfall of the band as the other members could not recreate the same chemistry that had existed within the band.

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The band could not sustain commercial success during the 1970s

Once Corbitt left, the other members of The Youngbloods moved to the San Francisco Bay Area and established their record label, Raccoon Records.

They kept on recording and releasing music, with albums such as Rock Festival (1970), Good and Dusty (1971), and High on a Ridge Top (1972). Although they received critical acclaim; none of them equaled Get Together's commercial success.

The absence of sound album sales hindered the band from being able to keep itself alive. By 1972, it was apparent that The Youngbloods were not as prominent a presence in the music world any more; they dissolved quietly.

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Jesse Colin Young dedicated himself to his solo work after the break-up

As The Youngbloods declined in popularity, Jesse Colin Young continued to thrive as an individual artist. He put out albums such as Song for Juli (1973) and Light Shine (1974); which provided him with opportunities to experiment with new musical styles.

Jesse Colin had a long-standing solo career spanning many decades and was active in the business. While the group never officially reunited to come back full circle; their music stayed contemporary. Get Together was still utilized by films, commercials, and public campaigns, making The Youngbloods' presence known.

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The Youngbloods disbanded in 1972 due to a combination of creative differences, declining commercial success; the departure of a key member. Jerry Corbitt's leaving in 1969 critically weakened the band, and their later albums failed to achieve mainstream acceptance.

Jesse Colin Young pursued a solo career, while the other members pursued other activities. With Young's death on March 16, 2025, at the age of 83; the band's tale ends. But The Youngbloods' music; especially Get Together, is a defining work of 1960s folk-rock history.