Country: United States
Fortunate Youth was formed in 2009 in Hermosa Beach, California, during the birthday celebration of their longtime friend and manager, Jared Segawa. The founding members—Travis Walpole, Dan Kelly, Jered Draskovich, Corey Draskovich, and Greg Gelb—shared strong personal and musical connections, with several having attended Mira Costa High School together. The group came together organically through friendships and shared involvement in the local music scene. Singer Dan Kelly was recruited after Travis Walpole and manager Jared Segawa saw him perform at an open mic night in Hermosa Beach while they were involved with the band Rude Boy Roots. Following the disbandment of earlier projects, the remaining members regrouped, bringing in Jered Draskovich’s younger brother Corey and Greg Gelb, formerly of Irie State of Mind, along with guitarist Ryan “Gonzo” Gonzales and drummer Myles Poydras to complete the lineup. From the beginning, Fortunate Youth committed itself to a clear mission: spreading peace, love, and unity through music while staying true to their reggae roots. This philosophy shaped their early sound and identity, culminating in the release of their debut EP, Up-Lifted, on January 8, 2010, which marked the band’s first official step onto the reggae music scene.
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