Marty Balin on Jerry Garcia, Jim Morrison and Janis Joplin

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“Marty was the one who started the San Francisco scene.” Bill Thompson, Jefferson Airplane Manager
Michelangelo claimed that he did not create a sculpture. Rather, the form was contained within the block of marble; he merely removed the excess, revealing the work of art. “I feel the same way about music, and about all the projects I’m involved in. The projects do themselves; the music comes through me.” The same vision Marty had when he launched the Jefferson Airplane is present today. In fact, nearly everything he has worked on over the years has been fueled with his vision of art and music as vehicles for expressing a positive message. “I still have the same attitude. “I still love the positive, uplifting songs, and I believe in songs with those qualities. I believe that music can help change the world for the better.”
The Jefferson Airplane, initially a folk-rock venture, came to epitomize the psychedelic scene, scoring a gold record with their 1967 second album, Surrealistic Pillow. Marty’s soulful tenor proved a pivotal element of their sound. He also wrote key compositions including “It’s No Secret” “Today,” “Comin’ Back To Me” “Plastic Fantastic Lover” “Share a Little Joke,” and “Volunteers.”
“In my formative rock days, Bill Graham was my manager, and you couldn’t have a better teacher.” Marty Balin. At the end of 1978, after contributing several major hits including “Miracles,” “With Your Love,” “Count on Me,” and “Runaway” with Jefferson Starship, Marty left the band. In 1981, he released his first solo album, Balin, featuring two Top 40 hits. “Hearts” and “Atlanta Lady.” 1989 a reunion album and tour with Jefferson Airplane followed.
Marty’s upcoming album is called Good Memories.