Marty Balin

Biography

Marty Balin was a pioneering American singer-songwriter and musician, best known as the founder and lead vocalist of Jefferson Airplane and Starship. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, he formed The Town Criers in Los Angeles and released singles under Challenge Records before launching Jefferson Airplane from his restaurant-turned-club, The Matrix. As co-lead vocalist alongside Grace Slick, Balin played a key role in shaping the iconic psychedelic rock band's sound.