The singer died on Thursday (September 27) with his wife by his side
Marty Balin, singer and co-founder of US psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane, has died. He was 76-years-old.
The guitarist and singer, who founded the group in San Fransisco in 1965 died on Thursday (September 27) with his wife – Susan Joy Balin – by his side, spokesperson Ryan Romenesko said.
“We have lost a true legend,” a statement on the band’s Facebook page read. “Marty Balin helped start a revolution that still lives on today. He will be greatly missed – our hearts go out to his family, friends and music fans everywhere – Team Jefferson Airplane.”
You can read some of the many tributes to Balin here:
Sad to hear of Marty Balin’s passing. Here is his beautiful vocal on a song he wrote with just perfect mid 70s production. A little masterpiece: Miracles” by Jefferson Airplane https://t.co/DPpf1knfeJ
— Larry Karaszewski (@Karaszewski) September 28, 2018
no no no no RIP Marty Balin.. founding member and lead vocalist of the Jefferson Airplane legendary rock band .. has died.. He was also a great painter .. with portraits of his friends – Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, Jerry Garcia. all .. now gone. pic.twitter.com/PsoEmzkXHe
— Bill Ritter (@billritter7) September 28, 2018
Farewell, Marty Balin. Many a late night driving my car with his voice coming out of the speakers. Such a great singer. pic.twitter.com/yUyTfOjna9
— greg dulli (@MrGregDulli) September 29, 2018
We have lost a true legend. @Marty_Balin helped start a revolution that still lives on today. He will be greatly missed – our hearts go out to his family, friends and music fans everywhere. – Team Jefferson Airplane https://t.co/gHCa4bvo4O #MartyBalin
— Jefferson Airplane (@JeffersonAirp) September 28, 2018
Marty Balin was an unsung singer & composer of enormous talent..Both with & without Grace Slick he kicked ass. He will stand the test of time here. @littlesteven_ug Rock in Peace https://t.co/Rvyw1GkFnt
— Michael Des Barres (@MDesbarres) September 28, 2018
Marty Balin formed Jefferson Airplane in 1965 as the house band for a converted pizza parlor on Fillmore St. It was the flashpoint for the greatest era in San Francisco rock music.#RIPMartyBalin
(📸: Gordon Peters/The Chronicle) pic.twitter.com/eoknoAFWNB— Peter Hartlaub (@peterhartlaub) September 28, 2018
I grew up listening to the “The Airplane “ & the “STARSHIP”So sad 😢 Many great memories of the free concert at Golden Gate Park when they would play with the Grateful Dead…#MartyBalin Lives on through his legendary music! #Miracles 💔#SummerofLove
RIP! pic.twitter.com/EKXyl6em6d— LADY FANDOM (@LadieFandom) September 28, 2018
Your love songs will live forever. RIP Marty Balin.
— Jefferson Starship (@JStarship) September 28, 2018
Jefferson Starship, a spin-off band Balin also played for a number of years also released a statement online. “With heavy hearts, we learn today of the passing of Marty Balin. He was a true talent and inspiration to many. We send his family and friends our deepest condolences.”
Balin co-founded Jefferson Airplane with the late guitarist Paul Kanter in 1965. The band launched it’s debut album, ‘Jefferson Airplane Takes Off’ in 1966. A month after the release, singer Grace Slick joined the band. She wrote ‘White Rabbit’ and proved crucial to their early commercial success.
Their pro-drug stance and psychedelic leanings made them a band central to San Francisco’s sub-culture scene in the 1960’s. The band went on to play Woodstock Festival in 1969 and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.
Marty Balin – Credit: Getty
Balin left Jefferson Airplane in 1971, blaming the band’s excessive drug use for his departure. He later teamed up again with Kautner in the Jefferson Airplane spin-off Jefferson Starship. With Balin on lead, the band had a series of hits including ‘Miracles’, ‘With Your Love’ and ‘Count on Me.’
Balin left Jefferson Starship in 1978 to focus on a solo career but once again reunited with Kautner to form KBC. This eventually led to a Jefferson Airplane reunion album and tour in 1989.
American rock group Jefferson Airplane performs on stage at the Central Park bandshell, New York City, August 1969. L-R: Guitarist Paul Kantner, drummer Spencer Dryden, singer Grace Slick, guitarist Jorma Kaukonen, bassist Jack Casady, singer Marty Balin. Credit: RCA Records/Getty Images
Balin had reportedly undergone heart surgery in 2016 and filed a civil lawsuit this year for alleged malpractice against a hospital in New York City.
His wife also released a statement: “Marty and I shared the deepest of love, he often called it Nirvana and it was. But really, we were all touched by his love. His presence will be my entire being forever.”