MARTY BALIN

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MARTY BALIN R.I.P. 1942-2018

Marty Balin, a co-founder of the legendary rock band Jefferson Airplane whose soulful tenor contributed to the band’s distinctive sound, has died at the age of 76, his representative said on Friday. The guitarist and singer, who co-founded the psychedelic group in San Francisco in 1965, died on September 27, with his wife, Susan Joy Balin, by his side, spokesman Ryan Romenesko said in a statement. The cause of death was not announced.

Jefferson Starship, the splinter band that Balin also played in for a number of years, paid tribute to their former bandmate on its official Facebook site. “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,” the group said. Balin teamed up with the guitar player Paul Kantner in San Francisco and the band launched its debut album, Jefferson Airplane Takes Off, in 1966. Kantner died in 2016.

The band, best known for their hits sung by the vocalist Grace Slick, including Somebody to Love and White Rabbit, played at the Woodstock music festival in 1969. It was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. Balin also wrote songs like Volunteers and Today for the band, as well as contributing to hits for Jefferson Starship, including Runaway and Miracles. The band went through various line-ups, and Balin left Jefferson Starship in 2008 to focus on a solo career. - theguardian.com

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From his website:

Marty Balin

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.”