britannica.com
Grace Slick: The Rock Vocalist of Jefferson Airplane
Curated by
mranleec
4 min read
361
1
Grace Slick, born on October 30, 1939, is a retired American musician and painter who rose to fame as the lead singer of Jefferson Airplane during the psychedelic rock era of the 1960s and 1970s. Known for her powerful contralto voice and iconic hits like "White Rabbit" and "Somebody to Love," Slick later continued her musical career with Jefferson Starship and Starship before retiring in 1990 to focus on visual arts.
Grace Barnett Wing's Early Life
en.wikipedia.org
Grace Barnett Wing, born on October 30, 1939, in Highland Park, Illinois, grew up in a middle-class family with her parents Ivan and Virginia Wing. Her early life was marked by frequent relocations due to her father's career in investment banking, eventually settling in Palo Alto, California, in the early 1950s
1
. Slick's mother, a former singer and actress, likely influenced her daughter's future musical career. Grace attended Palo Alto Senior High School before transferring to the private all-girls Castilleja School1
. Her education continued at Finch College in New York City and the University of Miami, where she briefly studied art1
2
. Although not yet involved in the music business, these formative years in the San Francisco Bay Area would later prove crucial to her involvement with the psychedelic rock scene and her eventual rise to fame with Jefferson Airplane.2 sources
Breakthrough: The New Vocalist of Jefferson Airplane
en.wikipedia.org
Grace Slick's breakthrough came in 1966 when she joined Jefferson Airplane, replacing original vocalist Signe Anderson. Her powerful contralto voice and dynamic stage presence proved pivotal to the band's commercial success
1
2
. In 1967, Jefferson Airplane released their groundbreaking album "Surrealistic Pillow," featuring two songs Slick brought from her previous band: "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit"3
2
. These tracks became massive hits, peaking at #5 and #8 respectively on the Billboard Hot 100, catapulting Jefferson Airplane to the forefront of the San Francisco psychedelic rock scene3
. Slick's unique vocal style and the band's innovative sound helped define the music of the Woodstock era, solidifying their place in rock history3
2
.3 sources
Grace Slick (Photos)
Jefferson Airplane's Albums
Grace Slick's discography with Jefferson Airplane spans several influential albums that defined the psychedelic rock era. Her powerful vocals and songwriting contributions were instrumental in the band's success, particularly in the San Francisco music scene.
Grace Slick's distinctive voice and songwriting style helped Jefferson Airplane achieve significant commercial success, with "Surrealistic Pillow" reaching #3 on the Billboard 200 and going platinum
| Year | Album | Notable Tracks |
|---|---|---|
| 1967 | Surrealistic Pillow | "Somebody to Love", "White Rabbit" |
| 1967 | After Bathing at Baxter's | "The Ballad of You and Me and Pooneil" |
| 1968 | Crown of Creation | "Lather", "Greasy Heart" |
| 1969 | Volunteers | "We Can Be Together", "Wooden Ships" |
| 1971 | Bark | "Pretty As You Feel" |
| 1972 | Long John Silver | "Twilight Double Leader" |
| 1989 | Jefferson Airplane | "Planes", "Summer of Love" |
1
2
. Her contributions to the band's sound and image were crucial in establishing Jefferson Airplane as one of the defining acts of the 1960s counterculture movement in San Francisco3
.3 sources
Grace Slick on Screen
Grace Slick's musical career extended beyond her performances with Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship, as she also appeared in several films and documentaries. Here's a table showcasing some of her notable on-screen appearances:
These appearances not only showcased Slick's powerful vocals and stage presence but also documented significant moments in rock history, particularly the iconic Woodstock festival where Jefferson Airplane performed.
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1969 | Woodstock | Herself (with Jefferson Airplane) |
| 1970 | Gimme Shelter | Herself (with Jefferson Airplane) |
| 1967 | Monterey Pop | Herself (with Jefferson Airplane) |
| 2019 | Woodstock: Three Days That Defined a Generation | Herself (archival footage) |
| 1988 | The Return of Bruno | Herself |
1
Her involvement in these films helped solidify her status as a key figure in the San Francisco music scene and the broader counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s.1 source
Grace Slick's Awards and Honors
Grace Slick's influential career in the music business has been recognized with several prestigious awards and honors. Here's a summary of her most notable accolades:
Grace Slick's powerful vocals and songwriting contributions to Jefferson Airplane, particularly on hits like "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit," were instrumental in the band's success and their lasting impact on the San Francisco music scene. Her unique voice and stage presence helped define the psychedelic rock era, earning her and the band these significant recognitions in the music industry.
| Year | Award/Honor | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Rock and Roll Hall of Fame | Inducted as a member of Jefferson Airplane 1 2 |
| 2016 | Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award | Accepted on behalf of Jefferson Airplane 2 |
| 1981 | Grammy Award Nomination | Best Rock Female Vocalist for solo album "Dreams" 2 |
| 1999 | VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock N Roll | Ranked #20 2 |
| 2016 | Hollywood Walk of Fame | Star unveiled for Jefferson Airplane 2 |
2 sources
Grace Slick's Interviews (Videos)
Personal Life: Dating Her Band Members and Firm on Advocacies
bestclassicbands.com
Grace Slick's personal life has been as colorful and dynamic as her musical career. She married Jerry Slick in 1961, and together they formed The Great Society in San Francisco. After joining Jefferson Airplane, Slick began a relationship with the band's drummer Spencer Dryden, which inspired her song "Lather"
1
. Later, she entered a long-term partnership with Jefferson Airplane guitarist Paul Kantner, with whom she had a daughter, China Wing Kantner, born in 19712
. Slick's life in Marin County during the 1970s was marked by her involvement in the vibrant San Francisco music scene, where she interacted with other influential musicians like Jerry Garcia3
. Throughout her career, Slick was known for her outspoken nature and advocacy for various causes, including LGBTQ+ rights, supporting organizations like Lambda Legal4
. After retiring from the music business in 1990, Slick focused on her visual art career, creating paintings that often feature portraits of other musicians and cultural icons5
.5 sources
Closing Thoughts on Grace Slick
Grace Slick's impact on the development of rock music is undeniable. Her powerful voice and unique vocal style set her apart from other singers of her era, helping to shape the sound of psychedelic rock in the 1960s and beyond. Slick's singing career, spanning decades with Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship, produced numerous iconic records that continue to influence musicians today
1
. Her ability to deliver powerful vocals on tracks like "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit" showcased her exceptional talent and contributed significantly to the evolution of rock music2
3
.
Slick's music career paralleled the Beatles' in terms of cultural impact, with her lyrics often exploring similar themes of social change and consciousness expansion. Like the Beatles, Slick and Jefferson Airplane became symbols of the counterculture movement, with their music serving as a soundtrack for a generation4
. Her contributions to rock music, alongside other amazing musicians of her time, helped establish a new paradigm for singers and songwriters, inspiring countless artists who followed. Slick's enduring legacy in the development of rock music is a testament to her extraordinary talent and the lasting power of her vocals and lyrics1
5
.5 sources
Related
How did Grace Slick's powerful voice shape the sound of Jefferson Airplane
What are some of the most memorable performances by Grace Slick
How did Grace Slick's contributions to "White Rabbit" and "Somebody to Love" impact rock music
What are some key moments in Grace Slick's music career that defined her as an amazing musician
How did Grace Slick's departure and return to Jefferson Airplane influence the band's music
Keep Reading
Betty Wright: Soul Icon
Betty Wright was a renowned American soul and R&B singer, songwriter, and background vocalist who had a prolific career spanning over five decades. Known for her powerful vocals and influential contributions to the Miami soul and funk scene, Wright rose to fame in the 1970s with hit songs like "Clean Up Woman" and "Tonight Is the Night".
4,899
Ike Turner: Pioneering Rock and Roll Musician
Ike Turner was an influential American musician, bandleader, and pioneer of 1950s rock and roll, best known for his work with his wife Tina Turner as the leader of the Ike & Tina Turner Revue in the 1960s and 1970s.
7,044
Red Clay: Freddie Hubbard's Masterpiece
Freddie Hubbard's 1970 album "Red Clay" marked a pivotal moment in the legendary trumpeter's career, fusing hard bop, soul jazz, and the emerging sounds of jazz fusion. Featuring an all-star lineup including Herbie Hancock, Joe Henderson, Ron Carter, and Lenny White, the album showcases Hubbard's virtuosic playing and compositional prowess, solidifying his status as one of the most influential and innovative figures in jazz.
1,952
Woodley to Portray Janis Joplin
According to reports from the San Francisco Chronicle, actress Shailene Woodley is set to star as legendary rock singer Janis Joplin in an upcoming biopic, with the project receiving a $2.5 million tax credit from the California Film Commission.
3,809
