Paul Kantner Of Jefferson Airplane 1941 – 2016

We’re saddened to pass along SFGate’s report that guitarist Paul Kantner has died today of multiple organ failure after suffering a heart attack earlier this week. The news about Kantner, best known for his work with Jefferson Airplane, was confirmed to SFGate by publicist Cynthia Bowman.

Jefferson Airplane, along with Grateful Dead, are most synonymous with the “San Francisco Sound” that first captured the nation’s attention and imagination in the late ’60s. Marty Balin recruited Kantner for the band after watching him perform at a San Francisco folk club during the summer of 1965. In turn, Kantner recommended Jorma Kaukonen to join the Airplane ahead of the group’s first public appearance under the Jefferson Airplane moniker at The Matrix in San Francisco on August 13, 1965. After a handful of lineup changes, Kantner was part of the classic Jefferson Airplane lineup of 1967 – 1970 that also featured Balin, Kaukonen, Jack Casady, Grace Slick and Spencer Dryden. It was this formation that recorded such legendary albums as Surrealistic Pillow, Crown Of Creation and Volunteers and released a number of iconic songs including “White Rabbit,” “Somebody To Love” and “Volunteers.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY1k9AWVI3A

The guitarist remained a member of Jefferson Airplane through the group’s 1972 breakup and then was a part of spin-off band Jefferson Starship until 1984. Jefferson Starship reformed in 1992 and Kantner was a staple of the lineup ever since. Last March Paul suffered a heart attack that was one of many health problems he faced. Though he sat out a number of Jefferson Starship shows, he was able to perform with the band later in 2015.

Paul Kantner was 74. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.