The Youngbloods

Biography

The Youngbloods were an American folk rock band formed in 1965 in New York, New York, rooted in the folk scenes of Boston and Greenwich Village. Frontman Jesse Colin Young, who began as a solo folk artist with unsuccessful albums like 'The Soul of A City Boy' (1964) on Capitol Records, teamed up with guitarist Jerry Corbitt, a former bluegrass musician. They initially performed as a duo before adding guitarist/pianist Lowell 'Banana' Levinger and drummer Joe Bauer, with Young switching to bass after other candidates like Felix Pappalardi and Harvey Brooks didn't fit. Signed to RCA Records, they became the house band at Cafe Au Go Go and released their self-titled debut in 1967, blending blues, jug band, and emerging folk rock styles.[1][3][4]

After modest early success with singles like 'Grizzly Bear' and 'Get Together' (written by Dino Valenti), the band relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1967, embracing California psychedelia. Jerry Corbitt departed around this time, leaving a trio that recorded their breakthrough album 'Elephant Mountain' (1969), produced by Charlie Daniels. A re-release of 'Get Together' that year, boosted by use in National Conference of Christians and Jews ads, became their signature million-selling hit, peaking at #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. They launched Raccoon Records and released further albums, though later works grew inconsistent amid lineup changes.[1][2][3][4]

The band splintered in 1972 when Young left; Levinger, Bauer, and friend Michael Kane continued briefly as Banana And The Bunch before folding. They reunited briefly in 1984-1985 for a tour with new members David Perper and Scott Lawrence. Despite critical acclaim, The Youngbloods remained a one-hit wonder, leaving a legacy in folk rock and psychedelia through their harmonious, peace-anthem sound.[1][5]

Fun Facts

• Their hit 'Get Together' was re-released in 1969 after featuring in ads by the National Conference of Christians and Jews, turning it into a million-seller and peace anthem.
• RCA Records once tried marketing them as a bubblegum pop act, despite their folk rock roots.
• Jesse Colin Young took up bass himself after bass candidates like Felix Pappalardi (later of Cream/Mountain) and Harvey Brooks (Electric Flag) didn't work out.
• Lowell Levinger, nicknamed 'Banana,' was a multi-instrumentalist skilled in banjo, mandolin, and piano across genres at just 19 years old.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Bobby Scott - Produced and financed Young's first solo album ('The Soul of A City Boy' (1964)) [1964]

Key Collaborators

• Jerry Corbitt - Co-founder, guitarist, early songwriter (The Youngbloods debut album, 'Grizzly Bear') [1965-1968]
• Lowell 'Banana' Levinger - Guitarist, pianist, core member (All early albums including 'Elephant Mountain') [1965-1972]
• Joe Bauer - Drummer, core member (Debut through 'Elephant Mountain') [1965-1972]
• Charlie Daniels - Producer ('Elephant Mountain' (1969)) [1969]
• Michael Kane - Later band member from Boston days (Post-1971 albums, Banana And The Bunch) [1971-1972]

External Links

• Spotify