Top 10 Jesse Colin Young Songs

Photo: Toglenn, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Our “Top 10 Jesse Colin Young Songs” spotlight an American songwriter and musician who made significant contributions across various genres, including rock, country, folk, and jazz. Born in New York, Jesse Colin Young’s musical journey was influenced early on by his parents, who had a strong appreciation for classical music. This influence led to Young receiving a piano as a gift, fostering his musical talents from a young age. His vocal skills, in particular, were inspired by his mother, a talented violinist and singer with perfect pitch.

Young’s musical interests broadened significantly during his youth, especially after winning a scholarship to study classical guitar. His exposure to a diverse range of music grew while living near a record store, eventually leading him to pursue a career in music full-time. In 1964, he released his debut album, The Soul of a City Boy. His path crossed with guitarist Jerry Corbitt, prompting the idea to form a band.

Together, they established the Youngbloods, drawing the name from Young’s second solo studio album, Young Blood. By the early 1970s, Young had constructed a recording studio adjacent to his home, where he recorded the solo album Together in 1972. The Youngbloods soon split, and Young focused solely on his solo career. Influences such as country blues artist Lightnin’ Hopkins and folk singer Pete Seeger played significant roles in shaping his music.

A diagnosis of Lyme disease eventually forced Young to step away from regular touring for several years. In 2016, the musical talents showcased at his son Tristan’s senior recital at Berklee College of Music reignited his passion, leading him to assemble a new band that included Tristan and other Berklee musicians. That collaboration helped lead to the 2019 album Dreamers. Young followed it with the acoustic retrospective Highway Troubadour in 2020. Jesse Colin Young died on March 16, 2025, at his home in Aiken, South Carolina, at age 83. Here are the top 10 Jesse Colin Young songs, highlighting the best from his extensive solo career.

#10 – Before You Came

Leading off our list of the top 10 Jesse Colin Young songs is the poignant ballad “Before You Came” from his 1975 album Songbird. Jesse shared that this song came to him in a dream following a walk through the Black Hills of South Dakota, an area steeped in history and the aftermath of the Wounded Knee siege. He described the song as a divine gift, intended to deepen his understanding of the trials faced by the First Nations people.

Young later connected “Before You Came” with the people who gathered at Standing Rock to protest and safeguard the well-being of future generations. This track not only showcases Jesse Colin Young’s artistry but also reflects his engagement with significant social and environmental issues.

#9 – Get Together

“Get Together” stands as an iconic peace anthem that showcases Jesse Colin Young’s vocal skills at their finest. Written by Chet Powers, also known as Dino Valenti, the song became synonymous with the Youngbloods, serving as their hallmark track. The Youngbloods’ version reached number five on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1969. Later, Jesse included it on his 1993 album Makin’ It Real. In 2020, Jesse collaborated with Steve Miller to release a new rendition of “Get Together.”

This special release was part of a collaboration with WhyHunger for its SongAid campaign, underscoring the enduring relevance of the song’s message and its capacity to inspire and bring people together for a cause. The song’s message of unity and peace continues to resonate, making it a timeless piece in Jesse Colin Young’s repertoire.

#8 – Grey Day

“Grey Day” starts with captivating piano notes, quickly complemented by a soft, feel-good percussion rhythm. As the song progresses, a flute delicately dances through the melody, moving between verses with a light, spirit-like presence. This track is a highlight on Jesse Colin Young’s album Light Shine, showcasing his ability to create deeply moving music. Jesse’s vocals are particularly enchanting, drawing listeners into the song’s emotional depth and leaving a lasting impression.

#7 – Rye Whiskey

“Rye Whiskey” stands out as a unique entry in Jesse Colin Young’s extensive catalog. While known for his uplifting and feel-good ballads, this song explores a darker aspect of romance. It portrays whiskey as an escape from the dangerous allure of certain women who threaten his well-being. Featured on his 1964 album The Soul of a City Boy, “Rye Whiskey” showcases Jesse Colin Young’s haunting falsetto, adding an eerie and captivating quality to the track.

#6 – Morning Sun

This is the type of song you want to pop into your car cassette deck in the morning as you take off for work. Well, maybe you don’t have that cassette deck anymore, but a CD player or even USB drive file will probably still do the trick. Released on the 1973 album Song for Juli, this one just feels good. I love that bass line that drives the song’s groove, laying down a foundation for Young’s spectacular vocals.

#5 – Drift Away

At the halfway point on our top 10 Jesse Colin Young songs list, we present the gorgeous ballad “Drift Away.” Released on his 1977 album Love on the Wing, this one will stop you in your tracks. It’s as beautiful as it gets. The intro, the verse, and, of course, the chorus all just set you soaring above all your troubles and worries. That is what the music of Jesse Colin Young has always done. If you are feeling down, put on a track like this, and it will bring you a bit of salvation.

#4 – Swept Away

This beautiful song “Swept Away” was released on the album of the same name back in 1994. Jesse Colin Young sets up a wonderful mid-tempo groove to fuel the song’s rhythm. Of course, it all comes down to the breathtaking melody line and chord changes that leave you captivated. The man knows how to write real romantic stuff.

#3 – Song for Juli

“Song for Juli” emerged as a standout track from Jesse Colin Young’s 1973 album of the same name. The song began as an instrumental melody by Young, while his then-wife Suzi supplied the lyrics in honor of their daughter Juli after the birth of their son, Cheyenne. The inspiration behind the song stemmed from Juli’s feelings of being sidelined as the family welcomed a newborn into their midst. “Song for Juli” was a heartfelt gesture to make their daughter feel cherished and special, showcasing Young’s deep commitment to fatherhood and his ability to express profound emotions through his music.

#2 – Fire On The Water

As we close in on our number one spot on the list, we turn to this cool, grooving song called “Fire On The Water.” The song was released on the album The Perfect Stranger. The album was released in 1982. This one is fueled by some all-star talent. Jesse Colin Young co-wrote the song with Michael McDonald. Buzzy Feiten plays guitar, while Robben Ford supplies the guitar solo. Michael Porcaro is on bass, Carlos Vega handles the drums, and Timothy B. Schmit adds backing vocals. This is A+ quality stuff.

#1 – Ridgetop

Topping our list of the top 10 Jesse Colin Young songs is “Ridgetop,” a standout piece in his solo career. This track is a central feature of his 1973 album Song for Juli. “Ridgetop” paints a vivid picture of Jesse’s home in California. After moving to the Marin countryside with the Youngbloods, Young spent time in rented houses before building the ridgetop home and recording studio that became central to his solo work. Tragically, in October 1995, the Mount Vision fire destroyed the family home and business, robbing Jesse of his cherished sanctuary.