James Young (American musician)

James "J.Y." Young
Young performing with Styx in 2010
Young performing with Styx in 2010
Background information
Born
James Vincent Young

(1949-11-14) November 14, 1949
Chicago, Illinois, US
Genres
Occupations
  • Musician
  • songwriter
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • vocals
Years active1966–present
Labels
  • A&M
  • Passport
  • Absolute
Member ofStyx[1]
Spouse
Susan Godsted
​
​
(m. 1972; died 2022)​
[2]

James Vincent Young (born November 14, 1949) is an American musician who is best known as a founding member, and one of the guitarists and occasional lead vocalists in the American rock band Styx.[3]

Early life, family and education

Young was born in Chicago, Illinois. He attended Calumet High School.[4] His father, who he described as "very conservative",[2] could play piano by ear.[4] His idols were Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Johnny Winter, and Albert King.[4]

Young graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Career

Young's first band, the Catalinas, won a "Best Teens in America" contest, came in third place at a Chicago talent competition, and toured Europe in 1966.[4]

In 1970, Young joined the band TW4[5][6][7][8] while a college student. That band later became the first incarnation of Styx.

After Styx's initial breakup in 1984, Young collaborated with Jan Hammer on the album City Slicker (1985).[8] Since reforming in 1995, Young is still a member of Styx.[9]

Personal life

Young was married to Susan Godsted for just over fifty years. Godsted had been partially paralyzed on the right side of her body as a result of a stroke. She died on November 10, 2022.[2]

Discography

Young performing in 2008

Styx

Solo studio albums

  • City Slicker (1985), with Jan Hammer
  • Out on a Day Pass (1988)
  • Raised by Wolves (1995), with James Young Group

As guest

References

  1. ^ Wardlaw, Matt (June 17, 2022). "James Young Looks Back on 50 Years of Styx: Exclusive Interview". Ultimate Classic Rock. Retrieved February 24, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c "STYX Guitarist JAMES 'JY' YOUNG Mourns Death Of His Wife Of 50 Years, SUSAN YOUNG". blabbermouth.net. November 11, 2022. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  3. ^ Prato, Greg. "Biography: James Young". All Media Guide. Retrieved May 17, 2010.
  4. ^ a b c d "James Young - biography". jamesjyyoung.com. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
  5. ^ Panozzo, Chuck (2007). The Grand Illusion: Love, Lies, and My Life With Styx. AMACOM. p. 57. ISBN 978-0-8144-0916-9.
  6. ^ Whitaker, Sterling (2007). The Grand Delusion: The Unauthorized True Story of Styx. BookSurge Publishing. p. 16. ISBN 978-1-4196-5353-7.
  7. ^ Clark, Dick (March 29, 1983). "Styx and stones...". Times-News. Hendersonville, North Carolina.
  8. ^ a b Mayne, Mya (April 22, 1986). "His band breaks up temporarily, but James Young 'Styx' to music career". Observer-Reporter. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  9. ^ "Band". Styxworld. Retrieved September 14, 2024.
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