Jefferson Airplane took off in the mid 60's on the wings of Marty Balin (b. January 30, 1949 Cincinnati, OH). The band, which epitomized the supercharged psychedelic culture of the 60's in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district, was named for guitarist Jorma Kaukonen's dog, "Blind Thomas Jefferson Airplane." But it was the singer/songwriter Balin who infused identity and character into one of rock's most enduring bands. With members Grace Slick, Paul Kantner, and Kaukonen, Jefferson Airplane became a seminal force in the cultural earthquake that shook San Francisco, ultimately bringing about the "Summer of Love" in 1967. Balin left the Airplane at the end of the 60's, and after playing with some local Bay Area groups rejoined his old bandmates and reformed Jefferson Starship. During this time, the band recorded several of Marty's songs including "Miracles" and "Count On Me," which became a big hit for Starship. In the Fall of 1981, Balin released his first solo album, "Hearts." This album produced two major singles, "Hearts" and "Atlanta Lady," both Shapiro Bernstein songs still receive regular airplay. Marty Balin continues to write songs today.
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