Jefferson Airplane

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  • Year:
    1996
  • Inducted by:
    Mickey Hart & Phil Lesh (The Grateful Dead)
  • Category:
    Performers

Introduction

A transformative voice of the psychedelic revolution.

Jefferson Airplane founder Marty Balin was a key part of the San Francisco sound and its flight from the west coast across the nation, adventurous in bold political lyricism and freewheeling live shows.

Hall of Fame Essay

1996

David Cohen

Jefferson Airplane were America’s greatest and most idiosyncratically unique rock band. From late 1966 to 1970 - roughly from Surrealistic Pillow to Marty Balin’s decision to leave the band that was his brainchild- the Airplane were an unstoppable machine, idolized by fans, respected by peers and critics as the purest distillation of San Francisco’s rock aes­thetic, and were allowed their eccentricities by their blue-chip record label, RCA Victor, because they sold vast amounts of records.

For five albums -Surrealistic Pillow, After Bathing at Baxter’s, Crown of Creation, Bless Its Pointed Little Head and Volunteers -  the Airplane soared higher than anyone before or since.  

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony Program Cover 1996
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when in flight would soar far and wide, were the best in the world on many a night.
Mickey Hart (Grateful Dead)

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Collection

Jorma Kaukonen Shoes, c. 1969

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Gallery

Photography: Kevin Mazur, WireImage