Classic Pop Icons

Marty Balin, founding member of American rock group Jefferson Airplane, celebrates his 70th birthday today.

Balin was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on January 30, 1942. He formed Jefferson Airplane in 1965 and recorded five albums before leaving the band in 1970. Among these were the classic “Surrealistic Pillow,” which hit number three on the Billboard album chart and spawned the singles “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love.” Another standout song from the period was the title track of the band’s 1969 album “Volunteers,” which was co-written by Balin and Kantner, and featured Balin and Grace Slick on lead vocals.

“Volunteers” – Jefferson Airplane

In 1974, Balin joined the band’s follow-up outfit, Jefferson Starship, and began what would be a productive period for the singer-songwriter, penning and singing lead on memorable tracks such as “Caroline” and “Miracles.” The latter appeared on the chart topping album “Red Octopus” and reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 when released on single.

“Miracles” – Jefferson Starship

The Top Five albums, “Spitfire” and “Earth,” followed, with Balin contributing lead vocals to both hit singles (“Count On Me” and “Runaway”) from the latter album.

Balin left Jefferson Starship to explore other projects in 1978, including the solo albums “Balin” (1981) and “Lucky” (1983). The former included the Top Ten single “Hearts.”

“Hearts” – Marty Balin

Balin worked with Jefferson Airplane members Paul Kantner and Jack Casady on a one-off album titled “KBC Band” band in 1986, before the three joined forces with Grace Slick and Jorma Kaukonen on a Jefferson Airplane reunion album and tour in 1989. He would later join Kantner on another incarnation of Jefferson Starship, producing the albums “Windows of Heaven” and “Across the Sea of Suns” (2001).

Although maintaining his involvement in the various Jefferson Airship/Jefferson Starship projects over the years, Balin has also continued to produce solo work, including the albums “Better Generation” (1991), “Mary Balin” (2003), “Nashville Sessions” (2008), “Nothin’ 2 Lose” (2009), “Time For Every Season” (2009), “Blue Highway” (2010) and “The Witcher” (2011).

Balin has also pursued his passion for painting in recent years, often using legendary music artists as subjects, including Jimi Hendrix, Robert Plant, Elton John and Jerry Garcia.

Happy 70th Birthday Marty Balin.

See also:
Song of the Week #81: “Jefferson Airplane – Volunteers”