Getting Together With The Youngbloods

Although I often write about the music of the 1960s, I usually add the disclaimer that I wasn’t really much of a fan of most of it at the time. I was conservative in most ways, including my tastes in music, but in later years I began to appreciate and enjoy what I would have called ‘hippie music’ in those days. A good example is a Top Ten hit from the era, “Get Together” (sometimes “Let’s Get Together”) by the Youngbloods.

Often compared to the Lovin’ Spoonful, the Youngbloods didn’t rise to the level of popularity of that classic folk-rock group but did share some of its qualities, and made several good records in its relatively short life. Originally a duet featuring singer-songwriter Jesse Colin Young (who had already found some success as a solo performer) and the multi-talented Jerry Corbitt, the Youngbloods eventually included Lowell ‘Banana’ Levinger and Joe Bauer.

After finding some success working clubs, the group was able to sell some records with Corbitt’s “Grizzly Bear” but when they followed up with “Get Together” in 1967, it was only a minor hit at that time. The song had been around for a while and had already been recorded by everyone from the Kingston Trio to Jefferson Airplane, but it didn’t become a big hit for the Youngbloods until 1969, when it was featured as background for a public service spot on TV.

Ironically, Corbitt had left the group by that time, and the guys continued as a trio although they would later add personnel. During this period the group still continued to cut some good records, including “Darkness, Darkness,” but within a few years all had gone their separate ways. However, like many from the era, they’ve reunited in various configurations through the years.

The Youngbloods – “Get Together”