Larry Young

The Profile

Larry Young (1940–1978) was an American jazz organist from Newark, New Jersey, a pivotal voice who moved the Hammond B3 beyond soul-jazz into post-bop, modal, and early fusion. Best known for Unity on Blue Note, he later joined Tony Williams’ Lifetime.

American jazz organist; major Blue Note artist; landmark album Unity (with Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, Elvin Jones); recorded Into Somethin', Of Love and Peace, Mother Ship; collaborated with Tony Williams’ Lifetime; born 1940, died 1978; also known as Khalid Yasin.

DeBaser hosts a single, glowing deep-dive into Larry Young’s Unity on Blue Note. The review frames Young as a Hammond B3 powerhouse alongside Joe Henderson, Woody Shaw, and Elvin Jones. It highlights the album’s cohesive swing, Coltrane-inflected intensity, and standout cuts like Zoltan and Softly (As in a Morning Sunrise). Overall tone is celebratory and reverent.