Marty Balin, singer and co-founder of the legendary rock band Jefferson Airplane, has died. He was 76-years-old, his representative said on Friday. His soulful tenor contributed to the band’s distinctive sound.
The guitarist and singer co-founded the psychedelic group in San Francisco in 1965. He died on Thursday (27 September) , with his wife, Susan Joy Balin, by his side, spokesman Ryan Romenesko said in a statement. The cause of death is unclear.
Balin also played in for a couple of years with Jefferson Starship the splinter band who paid tribute to their former bandmate on its official Facebook site.
“We have lost a true legend,” a statement on the band’s Facebook page read. “Marty Balin helped start a revolution that still lives on today. He will be greatly missed – our hearts go out to his family, friends and music fans everywhere – Team Jefferson Airplane.”
The band became popular for their hits including Somebody to Love and White Rabbit sung by the vocalist Grace Slick, played at the Woodstock music festival in 1969. In 1996, they were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
> Shiuly Rina
