James “JY” Young of STYX mourns the loss of his wife of 50 years, Susan Young. Learn more about what happened to her and Susan Young cause of death in detail
What happened to Susan Young?
James “JY” Young’s wife Susan passed away on November 10th. Susan Young was a co-founder and guitarist for STYX. Susan’s passing was reported earlier today via a message on STYX’s social media.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share with you the news that Susan Young died away on November 10th, 2022,” the message begins.
She died quietly at home with James “JY” Young, her loving husband of 50 years, by her side.
Susan Young cause of death
“Susie was a passionate supporter of her husband’s STYX rock ‘n’ roll career. She frequently traveled for years at a time with him and the STYX band so that they could be together. She was a never-ending source of support and “wardrobe suggestions.” Susie and JY were genuinely inseparable.
Everyone loved Susie, and she will always be remembered. James revealed to Creative Loafing in June of last year that his wife “had a stroke several years back. She is immobile. She isn’t paralyzed on her right side, but she essentially has no use for her right arm or leg. Therefore, Susan Young cause of death was determined as a past deteriorating illness.
The band’s label, Alpha Dog 2T/UMe, released “Crash Of The Crown,” their most recent studio album, in June 2021.
The LP was written by the renowned rockers before the pandemic and was recorded amid the difficult coronavirus situation.
When asked by Creative Loafing why he hasn’t been composing as much for STYX lately, James responded: “Honestly, it’s my commitment to my better half, who’s been with me through thick and thin dating back to the beginning of STYX, which was February 22, 1972, when we signed the first recording contract.
James Young recalling his wife’s memories
My wife and I were dating at the time, and we moved in together before we were married, which alarmed my extremely traditional parents. Later that year, we got married. Then, the debut STYX album was released, I obtained a respectable job, and things started to go our way.
However, the epidemic just kind of knocked her for a loop, and I felt like I had to stay at her side. I had a vague notion that my professional days were numbered.
The good news is that I sort of fit in with the band, though. Because my grandfather owned a construction business, I dealt with lawyers and accountants regularly because I was raised in a family of entrepreneurs.
So, he said, “you’ve got to know what you need.” “You must obtain insurance, and submit tax returns and other government papers, among other things.
I’ve always been the band’s de facto co-leader; it’s just that my creative output has dipped recently. But Tommy Shaw—guitar, vocals—brought in Lawrence Gowan—vocals, keyboards—because he’s a fantastic player and writer. And in Nashville, Will [Evankovich, on guitar] and Tommy are just sitting there together. Therefore, those guys are constantly writing.”
Who was James Young?
James Vincent Young, an American musician who was born on November 14, 1949, is best known for playing guitar in the American rock group Styx. He was the group’s lone surviving founding member.
At age five, Young started learning how to play the piano and keyboard. He studied clarinet and guitar throughout his time at Chicago’s Calumet High School. He was given the moniker “J.Y.” by Styx members and devoted fans, and he is frequently referred to as “The Godfather of Styx.”
While a student at the Illinois Institute of Technology, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering, Young joined the band TW4 in 1970. Later, that group changed its name to the original Styx.
Young’s solo albums City Slicker (1985 with Jan Hammer), Out on a Day Pass (1988), and Raised by Wolves (1988) were all released following Styx’s original dissolution in 1984. (1995 with James Young Group). For Styx, Young typically writes harder rock songs. His most well-known songs are “Miss America” and “Snowblind” by Styx. In 1998, Young co-managed the Chicago, Illinois-based rock band 7th Heaven with Bon Jovi’s Alec John Such.
Tributes to Susan Young
Michale tweeted,
I’m so sorry to hear this news. Susan (and JY) have been in my thoughts and prayers for sometime now. Two beautiful people inside and out. All my love and respect, eternally
Julie Gunderson said,
My deepest condolences to JY, his family, and the entire Styx Family as well for the loss of this beautiful woman. God Bless…
Sue Stevens said,
My sincerest sympathy. What an accomplishment to stay married 50 years especially in the rock and roll world. This speaks volumes to their love. So glad you all will support JY in his toughest days.
Sharon Arbuckle – Hayes said,
I’m so sorry JY to hear this news. I feel so bad for you and what you are going through, I lost my husband to cancer 11 years ago. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Ronnie Booth said,
So sorry to hear this! Praying for JY and all the family!
Lori Gardner Child said,
Such a lovely tribute to an amazing lady! Sending hugs and prayers to JY, their family and friends, and the Styx family. We love you all!
Mel Bittick said,
I am deeply sorry to see this post. It is unimaginable to lose a partner and soulmate of 50 years and my heart goes out to JY, the rest of his family, and the entire Styx organization.
Jane Bernzweig said,
So sorry to hear. They were so devoted to each other. Sending love to JY and the entire Styx family.
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Lavanya (Senior Editor) is a full-time content writer with almost 5 years of experience and a part-time teacher. She joined Medico Topics on the Breaking News trainee scheme in 2022 and now works on MedicoTopics.com. As a lifelong learner, She is constantly curious about learning new things and passionate about sharing knowledge with people through her writing and teaching.