Jefferson Starship - Topic

Paul Kantner founded Jefferson Airplane in 1965. The Airplane were the biggest rock group in America during the 1960s and the first San Francisco band to sign a major record deal, paving the way for other legends like Grateful Dead and Janis Joplin. They headlined the original Woodstock Festival in 1969 and, like The Beatles with whom they are critically compared, lasted a mere 7 years, though their influence and impact on rock music continues well into the 21st century. In 1974 Mr. Kantner created Jefferson Starship and again enjoyed chart-topping success. Paul and Jefferson Airplane were inducted into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, the same year as Pink Floyd.

Jefferson Starship, the name created by Kantner for his 1971 solo debut “Blows Against The Empire” recording, has endured 40 years as one of rock’s most legendary bands. That recording was the first and only to ever be nominated for literary science fiction’s Hugo Award … a stellar achievement.

Co-founder David Freiberg also started the legendary Quicksilver Messenger Service, the Fillmore era San Francisco band who often shared the bill with the Grateful Dead and Jefferson Airplane.  David is a world-famous singer, producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. He was also a member of Jefferson Airplane, and co-wrote one of Jefferson Starship’s all-time biggest hits, “Jane” – which he performs.