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Influential Music Producer and Songwriter Dies — He Co-Wrote One of the Big Hits of the ’60s

Oct 23, 2017  •  Post A Comment

A musician, songwriter and music producer who was a mentor to the famed rock band AC/DC and who co-wrote the Easybeats’ 1966 international hit “Friday on My Mind” has died. AC/DC announced on its Facebook page that George Young died Sunday. He was 70.

Young was the rhythm guitarist for the Easybeats in the 1960s when they had a worldwide hit with “Friday on My Mind,” co-written by Young and bandmate Harry Vanda. He was the older brother of AC/DC founders Angus Young and Malcolm Young, and mentored their hard rock band along with producing some of its material.

“It is with pain in our heart that we have to announce the passing of our beloved brother and mentor George Young. Without his help and guidance there would not have been an AC/DC,” the band wrote on its Facebook page. “As a musician, songwriter, producer, advisor and much, much more, you could not ask for a more dedicated and professional man.

“As a brother, you could not ask for a finer brother. For all he did and gave to us throughout his life, we will always remember him with gratitude and hold him close to our hearts.”

The Scottish-born George Young moved to Australia as a teenager and became a fixture of Australian music, including co-writing the iconic Aussie hit “Love Is in the Air,” recorded by John Paul Young (no relation).

Here’s a clip of the Easybeats performing “Friday on My Mind” …

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