Co-founder of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship Marty Balin died yesterday aged 76. A representative confirmed the news to Pitchfork in a statement but gave no cause of death. The statement did reveal that Balin’s wife Susan Joy-Balin was by his side when he passed.
Watch: Jefferson Airplane – “White Rabbit”
Balin began his recording career in 1962 with his solo singles “Nobody But You” and “I Specialize in Love”. After these tracks failed, the artist set about creating a band. Jefferson Airplane released their debut album Jefferson Airplane Takes Off in 1966 before achieving international success with their 1997 sophomore album Surrealistic Pillow.
Related: Jefferson Airplane Drummer Killed In Car Crash, Aged 67
In 1971 Balin decided to make some life changes after Janis Joplin’s death and left the group. 1975 saw Balin return to collaborate with Paul Kantner from Airplane to create Jefferson Starship. Balin left the group in 1978 to focus on his solo career. Jefferson Airplane were inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1996 with Marty Balin credited as a co-founder.
The singer released 12 solo albums, the most recent being in 2016. That same year Balin underwent open-heart surgery and later sued the hospital for medical malpractice. Check out Balin’s most successful solo track “Hearts” below.
Watch: Marty Balin – “Hearts”
