Get Together

The Zoo Crew is spinning the timeless track "Get Together" by The Youngbloods, from their 1967 debut album, The Youngbloods, and the Zoo Freaks are surely vibing along. This song, written by Chet Powers (aka Dino Valenti), is a plea for peace and brotherhood, with its iconic refrain, "Come on people now, smile on your brother, everybody get together, try to love one another right now." It didn’t initially take off when released as a single in 1967, peaking at just No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, in 1969, after being featured in a public service announcement for the National Conference of Christians and Jews, listeners flooded radio stations with requests, prompting RCA to re-release it. This time, it soared to No. 5, sold over a million copies, and earned a gold record. The song’s journey didn’t stop there—it’s been covered by artists like The Kingston Trio, Jefferson Airplane, and even referenced in Nirvana’s "Territorial Pissings," where Krist Novoselic sings its chorus. It’s also appeared in films like Forrest Gump and TV shows like The Simpsons, cementing its status as a counterculture anthem.

One fascinating story comes from Jesse Colin Young, The Youngbloods’ lead singer, who first heard "Get Together" at an open mic in Greenwich Village’s Café au Go Go. In a 2019 NPR interview, Young recalled walking in on a Sunday afternoon, expecting a quiet rehearsal space, only to be captivated by someone performing the song. He was so struck by its message that he asked the performer to write down the lyrics, later bringing it to the band. Another tidbit: in 1969, The Youngbloods walked off The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson because the show insisted they only play "Get Together" and not a track from their new album, Elephant Mountain, as promised. This bold move reflected the band’s commitment to their artistic vision over commercial pressures. On X, posts from accounts like @60sPsychJukebox have celebrated the song’s enduring legacy, noting its role in capturing the spirit of the Summer of Love.

The Youngbloods began with Jesse Colin Young, born Perry Miller in 1941 in Queens, New York. Raised in a musical family—his mother was a violinist, and his father loved classical music—Young started as a folk singer in Greenwich Village’s vibrant 1960s scene. He released two solo albums, The Soul of a City Boy (1964) and Young Blood (1965), which inspired the band’s name. Young met guitarist Jerry Corbitt in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and their chemistry led to performances as a duo in Canada, adopting the name The Youngbloods in 1965. They recruited drummer Joe Bauer and multi-instrumentalist Lowell "Banana" Levinger, with Young taking up bass. The quartet honed their folk-rock sound, blending blues, jug band, and psychedelia, and became the house band at New York’s Café au Go Go before relocating to San Francisco’s Marin County, where they fully embraced the counterculture.

Fans can explore more about The Youngbloods through Jesse Colin Young’s official website, which details his solo career and legacy. The band’s Facebook page shares updates and tributes, especially poignant after Young’s passing in March 2025 at age 83. On Instagram, @jessecolinyoung posts nostalgic photos and music clips, while on X, fans and accounts like @CharlieDaniels have honored milestones like the 1969 release of Elephant Mountain. For fan communities, the Youngbloods Fans Facebook group is a lively space where Zoo Freaks and others share memories and rare tracks. While no official band fan website exists, ClassicBands.com offers a detailed bio and discography for enthusiasts to dive deeper into The Youngbloods’ story.