Marty Balin, co-founder of Jefferson Airplane, dies aged 76

By Deputy Chief EditorSeptember 29, 2018

146 1 minute read

FILE - In this Feb. 15, 2016 file photo, Marty Balin arrives at the 58th annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Singer Balin of the Jefferson Airplane has died at age 76. Spokesman Ryan Romenesko said Balin died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, in Tampa, Fla., where he was on the way to the hospital. The cause of death was not immediately available. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) — Marty Balin has died aged 76 (Picture: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

Marty Balin, co-founder of band Jefferson Airplane, has died aged 76.

The legendary guitarist and singer died on Thursday (September 27) with his wife Susan Joy Balin by his side, his representative confirmed.

The cause of death is currently unknown.

Paul Kantner, Spencer Dryden, Jack Casady, Grace Slick, Jorman Kaukonen and Marty Balin (Picture: CBS via Getty Images)

Jefferson Airplane paid tribute to Marty on their official Facebook page, writing: 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.

Balin co-founded the psychedelic rock group in San Francisco in 1965 with guitarist Paul Kantner, and released their debut album, Jefferson Airplane Takes Off, in 1966.

Mandatory Credit: Photo by Peter Mazel/Sunshine International/REX (9306891c) Jefferson Starship - Marty Balin Jefferson Starship in concert, Netherlands - 1970s — Marty Balin also had a solo career (Picture: Peter Mazel/Sunshine International/REX)

The band are best known for their hits Somebody To Love, White Rabbit and Wooden Ships.

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He departed Jefferson Airplane in 1971 after breaking off communication with his bandmates following their 1970 US tour, but remained active in the San Francisco music scene.

FILE - This Dec. 5, 1968 file photo shows the rock band Jefferson Airplane, Marty Balin, from left, Grace Slick, Spencer Dryden, Paul Kantner, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, as they pose in their Pacific Heights, San Francisco apartment. Singer Balin of the Jefferson Airplane has died at age 76. Spokesman Ryan Romenesko said Balin died Thursday, Sept. 27, 2018, in Tampa, Fla., where he was on the way to the hospital. The cause of death was not immediately available. (AP Photo, File) — Marty Balin, from left, Grace Slick, Spencer Dryden, Paul Kantner, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, as they pose in their Pacific Heights, San Francisco apartment (Picture: AP Photo, File)

Balin later became a permanent member of Jefferson Starship in 1975 for three years, which was formed as a successor to Airplane, comprising of original members Grace Slick and Paul Kantner.

While Starship are best known for songs We Built This City and Nothings Gonna Stop Us Now, Balin contributed to singles With Your Love and Miracles.

The band were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1996, with Balin leaving the band in 2008 to focus on his solo career.

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