George Young

Cliff Williams Phil Rudd Brian Johnson Stevie Young
Bon Scott Malcolm Young George Young Paul Matters Colin Burgess Neil Smith
Angus Young Cliff Williams
George Young

Who was George

George Young was an influential musician, songwriter, and producer, best known for his work as a member of the band The Easybeats and as a mentor and producer for AC/DC, the band formed by his younger brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. George played a pivotal role in the development of Australian rock music and had a significant impact on the global success of AC/DC. Here’s a detailed history of George Young’s life and his contributions to the music industry:

Early Life and Career with The Easybeats:

George Redburn Young was born on November 6, 1946, in Glasgow, Scotland. Like his younger brothers, George moved to Australia with his family in 1963. Settling in Sydney, George quickly became involved in the local music scene.

In 1964, George co-founded The Easybeats, one of Australia's most successful rock bands of the 1960s. The band, which included George as the rhythm guitarist, rose to fame with their catchy, energetic rock songs. The Easybeats were often referred to as the "Australian Beatles" due to their immense popularity during the height of the British Invasion.

The Easybeats’ biggest hit was "Friday on My Mind" (1966), a song co-written by George Young and lead guitarist Harry Vanda. The song became an international hit, reaching the Top 10 in several countries and establishing The Easybeats as a significant force in the global rock scene. George’s songwriting partnership with Harry Vanda would prove to be one of the most successful in Australian music history.

Legacy:

George Young’s influence on rock music is profound. As a member of The Easybeats, he helped bring Australian rock to an international audience. As a producer and mentor, he played a critical role in shaping the early sound and success of AC/DC, one of the most iconic rock bands in history. His work with Harry Vanda also left a lasting legacy in the Australian music industry, influencing generations of musicians and producers. George Young is remembered as a visionary musician, a talented songwriter, and a guiding force behind some of the most enduring music of the 20th century.

Post-Easybeats and Production Work:

After The Easybeats disbanded in 1969, George Young and Harry Vanda continued their collaboration as songwriters and producers. They formed a new band, Flash and the Pan, which enjoyed some success in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like "Hey, St. Peter" and "Down Among the Dead Men."

However, it was their work behind the scenes as producers that would have the most lasting impact. George Young and Harry Vanda became the in-house producers for Albert Productions, a label founded by Australian music industry legend Ted Albert. Under this label, George and Harry produced many successful Australian artists, including John Paul Young and The Angels.

Mentorship and Work with AC/DC:

George Young played a crucial role in the early development of AC/DC, the band formed by his younger brothers Malcolm and Angus. George recognized their talent and potential, and he used his experience and industry connections to help them get started. He produced AC/DC's first six albums, many of which became defining records in the rock genre:

High Voltage (1975): The band’s debut album, which included early hits like "It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)" and "T.N.T." T.N.T. (1975): The Australian release that further solidified AC/DC’s sound and style.

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap (1976): Featuring some of the band’s most memorable tracks, including the title song. Let There Be Rock (1977): Marked a move towards a heavier, more aggressive sound. Powerage (1978): A raw, blues-influenced album considered by many to be one of the band’s finest. If You Want Blood You’ve Got It (1978): AC/DC's first live album, capturing the energy of their performances.

George’s production style was characterized by its simplicity and focus on capturing the raw power of AC/DC’s music. He avoided overproduction, instead letting the band’s high-energy performances and tight musicianship shine through. This approach was instrumental in establishing AC/DC's distinctive sound, which would influence countless rock bands that followed.

Later Years and Death:

After his work with AC/DC, George Young continued to collaborate with Harry Vanda, producing music and occasionally performing with Flash and the Pan. He also played a key role in the management and business side of AC/DC, helping the band navigate the complexities of the music industry as they grew into one of the world’s biggest rock acts.

George Young passed away on October 22, 2017, at the age of 70. His death was mourned by the music community, especially in Australia, where he was regarded as a pioneer and a mentor to many artists.