Jefferson Airplane’s Signe Anderson 1941 – 2016

Original lead vocalist and Jefferson Airplane co-founder Signe Anderson has died at the age of 74. Anderson’s death came on the same day her former Airplane band mate Paul Kantner passed away on January 28.

Anderson appeared on Jefferson Airplane’s debut 1966 album Jefferson Airplane Takes Off but left the band after the birth of her child with Merry Prankster Jerry Anderson. Her last performance with the group took place in October 1966, a recording of which was officially released in 2010 as Jefferson Airplane: Live at The Fillmore Auditorium 10/15/66 Signe’s Farewell.

Her former Jefferson Airplane band mates have shared messages regarding the late vocalist. Marty Balin wrote:

SIGNE

One sweet Lady has passed on. I imagine that she and Paul woke up in heaven and said “Hey what are you doing here? Let’s start a band” and no sooner then said Spencer was there joining in!” Heartfelt thoughts to all their family and loved ones.

Marty Balin

Jack Casady shared this note:

I was just informed of the passing of Signe Anderson, the same day as we lost Paul. Signe was our, Jefferson Airplane’s first female singer. I had been in touch with Signe this past week as she had moved from her home to hospice care. She was a real sweetheart with a terrific contralto voice coming from a solid folk background. Listen to how she made the three part harmonies of JA Takes Off (first album) sound so thick…her wonderful tone between Paul’s and Marty’s.

A sad day …..for those of us still here.

RIP Signe.

Jorma Kaukonen posted this to his blog:

Signe was one of the strongest people I have ever met. She was our den mother in the early days of the Airplane … a voice of reason on more occasions than one … an important member of our dysfunctional little family. I always looked forward to seeing her when we played the Aladdin in Portland. She never complained and was always a joy. Flights of angels sing thee to thy rest sister … You will always live in my heart.