Larry Young (musician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Larry Young
Background information
Also known as	Khalid Yasin
Born	(1940-10-07)October 7, 1940 Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Died	March 30, 1978(1978-03-30) (aged 37) New York City, New York, U.S.
Genres	Jazz soul jazz jazz-funk modal jazz jazz fusion
Occupation(s)	Musician, songwriter
Instruments	Organ
Labels	Blue Note

Larry Young, also known as Khalid Yasin, was an amazing American jazz musician. He was born on October 7, 1940, and passed away on March 30, 1978. Larry was famous for playing the organ, especially the Hammond B-3.

At first, his music was like "soul jazz," similar to another great organist named Jimmy Smith. But Larry later started playing in a more experimental style called "modal jazz." This made his sound very unique and important in the world of jazz music.

Larry Young's Life and Music Journey

Larry Young grew up in Newark, New Jersey, in the United States. He went to Newark Arts High School, where he began his musical journey. He sang in a vocal group and played in a jazz band.

In the 1950s, Larry played with different R&B bands. He then gained experience playing jazz with famous musicians like Jimmy Forrest and Lou Donaldson.

Early Recordings and New Sounds

Starting in 1960, Larry began recording his own music for Prestige. He released several "soul jazz" albums, including Testifying, Young Blues, and Groove Street.

Around 1964, Larry Young joined Blue Note. This is when his music really started to change. He was greatly influenced by the legendary jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. During this time, Larry created some of his most well-known and lasting music.

He often recorded as part of a trio with guitarist Grant Green and drummer Elvin Jones. Sometimes, other musicians would join them. Many of these albums were released under Grant Green's name. However, Into Somethin', which featured Sam Rivers on saxophone, was Larry's first album for Blue Note.

Famous Albums and Collaborations

His album Unity, recorded in 1965, is still his most famous work. It featured talented musicians like Joe Henderson and a young Woody Shaw.

Larry's later albums for Blue Note, such as Contrasts, Of Love and Peace, Heaven On Earth, and Mother Ship, also explored new sounds. They used ideas from the "avant-garde" jazz of the 1960s and featured local musicians from his hometown of Newark.

Larry Young's sound was special because he often played the organ in a very rhythmic way. He also used many guitar and synthesizer-like effects. He is also known for a jam session he recorded with the famous rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix. This recording was released after Hendrix's death on the album Nine to the Universe.

In March 1978, Larry Young went to the hospital because of stomach pains. He passed away on March 30, 1978, while being treated for pneumonia.

Larry Young's Music Albums

As leader

• Testifying (New Jazz, 1960)
• Young Blues (New Jazz, 1960)
• Groove Street (Prestige, 1962)
• Into Somethin' (Blue Note, 1965) – recorded in 1964
• Unity (Blue Note, 1966) – recorded in 1965
• Of Love and Peace (Blue Note, 1967) – recorded in 1966
• Contrasts (Blue Note, 1968) – recorded in 1967
• Heaven on Earth (Blue Note, 1969) – recorded in 1968
• Lawrence of Newark (Perception, 1975) – recorded in 1973
• Fuel (Arista, 1975)
• Spaceball (Arista, 1976)
• The Magician (Acanta/Bellaphon, 1977)
• Mother Ship (Blue Note, 1980) – recorded in 1969
• Larry Young in Paris: The ORTF Sessions (Resonance, 2016) - recorded for French radio in 1964 and 1965

As sideman

See also

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In Spanish: Larry Young para niños