Martin Balin, founder of Jefferson Airplane, age 76 dies

[MaryG12]

I cannot believe I just saw this on the news.

Marty Balin, founding member of Jefferson Airplane, dies at age 76

Marty was founder of Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship and sang lead vocals on two of the band's biggest hits, "Miracles" and "With Your Love". After his role in the band he had a solo career, with the song "Hearts" which made the #8 spot on Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1981.

RIP Mr. Balin, the music you made is still part of my life's soundtrack.

 

[MaryG12]

 

[Betty P]

He had a beautiful voice. RIP. Sorry to hear he had serious health problems in recent years.

 

[GarAndTeed]

I'm stunned...words fail me. RIP, Marty- you'll never be forgotten.

 

[Lilibet]

Our daughter texted us the news earlier this evening. She knew we had been fans almost from the beginning.

By July 1966 my soon-to-be husband and I had already attended two Berkeley Folk Festivals together (we were married that September). We were big folkies. I had a summer job in a guitar shop in an alley on Haste, just off Telegraph Ave. So imagine our surprise when Jefferson Airplane took the stage in the Pauley Ballroom on the U.C. Berkeley campus! They were billed as a folk-influenced rock and roll band. Signe Anderson was amazing. Marty Balin was so cute! I found a photo of the lineup that year, posted below. They stole the show! A year later in June 1967 we saw them at the “Summer Solstice Festival” in Golden Gate Park, when Grace Slick had joined them, and took them to a different level. But seeing them near the beginning was wonderful.

http://quirkyberkeley.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/Berkeley-Folk-1966-2.jpg

Jefferson Airplane

 

[GarAndTeed]

One of my favorite Balin songs (one of my favorites, period)

 

[MaryG12]

One of my favorite Balin songs (one of my favorites, period)

OK now that is beautiful! And I love his voice on that song. Marty had such a distinctive, beautiful voice so perfect for psychedelic/rock ballads.

 

[GarAndTeed]

OK now that is beautiful! And I love his voice on that song. Marty had such a distinctive, beautiful voice so perfect for psychedelic/rock ballads.

Isn't it? Just amazing vocals and songwriting!!!

 

[SeekingJana]

I was just coming to post about Marty's passing. I remember some of the more popular Jefferson Starship recordings, mostly the loud rocker hits, but my personal favorite were his solo hits. " Hearts" is especially meaningful to me because it was a hit for him and received widespread air play the year I married the love of my young life long ago, who passed away a year ago this month. He had been a musician, as a member of what would become the hit making group " The Young Rascals", later just " The Rascals". We shared a great love of music, and a great love together.
I don't know how to post " Hearts" from You Tube or I would.

 

[BelleIsle]

@SeekingJana, let's see if this works.

ETA It did!

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I hope you find a small measure of comfort in this song.

 

[GarAndTeed]

Here you go, @SeekingJana ...

 

[SeekingJana]

One of my favorite Balin songs (one of my favorites, period)

I've never previously heard this song! It is so gorgeous, and it speaks to me.. A lost love, a dream of them " Comin' Back to Me". Heartbreakingly beautiful, wistful even. Masterful interpretation of the material.

 

[GarAndTeed]

@SeekingJana, let's see if this works.

You got it! Sweet!

 

[SeekingJana]

Here you go, @SeekingJana ...

Thank you so very much. I appreciate you every day here in so many more ways than I can ever tell you. Thank you for being you, and for your huge generous spirit.

 

[SeekingJana]

@SeekingJana, let's see if this works.

ETA It did!

I am deeply sorry for your loss. I hope you find a small measure of comfort in this song.

Thank you so much, BelleIsle. I think he and my dear one are probably singing together right now.. Not sure if it's " Comin' Back To You" or " Hearts", though. Probably something very poignant about leaving but remembering, though.

 

[GarAndTeed]

Here's another Balin masterpiece:

 

[SeekingJana]

GarAndTeed, I wonder if " Today" was ever used in 1960's (or later) weddings? It has the theme I'd expect in a sweet, flower child outdoor wedding. True and simple, honest words of love and hope.
Do you think it might have been?

 

[The Farm]

So sad to hear this news this morning.
One of my most favorite songs ever above, a love song.

 

[Brubeck]

Marty Balin knocked out by Hell's Angels at Altamont:

 

[MaryG12]

I was just coming to post about Marty's passing. I remember some of the more popular Jefferson Starship recordings, mostly the loud rocker hits, but my personal favorite were his solo hits. " Hearts" is especially meaningful to me because it was a hit for him and received widespread air play the year I married the love of my young life long ago, who passed away a year ago this month. He had been a musician, as a member of what would become the hit making group " The Young Rascals", later just " The Rascals". We shared a great love of music, and a great love together.
I don't know how to post " Hearts" from You Tube or I would.

So sorry for your loss.

"With Your Love" is one of "our" songs DH and I have. It quite literally popped into my head when that magic feeling first started between us many years ago.

I love "Hearts" and heard it on the radio all the time when it became a hit in 1981. That was when I first started high school and was a wonderful time for me.

Last night DH asked me wasn't this the same time last year when Tom Petty died. Yep. Losing too many personal favorites lately.