Jefferson Airplane
Formation and Early Years
Jefferson Airplane was formed in San Francisco in 1965, around Marty Balin (vocals), Paul Kantner (guitar), Jorma Kaukonen (lead guitar), Jack Casady (bass), and Grace Slick (vocals, from 1966). The band became one of the pillars of the psychedelic scene in Haight-Ashbury.
The Psychedelic Era
The album Surrealistic Pillow (1967) and its singles “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit” became Summer of Love anthems. The band performed at the three major festivals of the era: Monterey (1967), Woodstock (1969), and Altamont (1969).
Grace Slick, with her powerful voice and magnetic charisma, is one of the first female rock stars in history. Her song “White Rabbit”, built on a bolero rhythm and references to Alice in Wonderland, became a symbol of the psychedelic counterculture of the 1960s.
Evolution and Legacy
The band later evolved into Jefferson Starship (1974) and then Starship (1985). Jefferson Airplane was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Grace Slick remains one of the most iconic female figures in rock history.
Iconic Guitars
Jorma Kaukonen is associated with the Gibson ES-345 and Martin acoustic guitars, while Paul Kantner played Rickenbacker 12-string guitars.
