The psychedelic anthem "White Rabbit" cemented Grace Slick’s status as a central force in the mid-1960s San Francisco music scene. Born in Chicago in 1939, Slick navigated a four-decade career as a singer and songwriter, transitioning from the experimental atmosphere of the Great Society to international chart success as the frontwoman of Jefferson Airplane and its iterations.
Early Development and Transition
Born to Ivan and Virginia Barnett Wing, Grace Slick spent her youth in Chicago, San Francisco, and Palo Alto. After attending Palo Alto High School, she pursued art at Finch College and the University of Miami. Following her education, she worked as a model at an I. Magnin department store. Her professional entry into music followed a performance by the newly formed Jefferson Airplane at The Matrix, which inspired her to form the Great Society with her husband Jerry Slick and brother-in-law Darby Slick in 1965.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Jefferson Airplane and Psychedelic Influence
In late 1966, Slick joined Jefferson Airplane, replacing Signe Toly Anderson. The group’s 1967 studio album, Surrealistic Pillow, propelled the band to national prominence, featuring the tracks "White Rabbit" and "Somebody to Love." Throughout this period, Slick became a recognized figure in rock music, known for her distinctive vocal contributions and active role in shaping the band’s psychedelic sound. She remained with the group until members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady shifted focus to their project, Hot Tuna.
Starship and Solo Ventures
Following the reorganization of Jefferson Airplane into Jefferson Starship, Slick collaborated with Paul Kantner and Pete Sears on material including "Hyperdrive" and "Play On Love." Her solo output, which included the Grammy-nominated album Dreams, showcased personal themes developed during twelve-step program meetings. By the 1980s, as the sole remaining original member in Starship, she achieved number-one hits such as "We Built This City" and "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" before departing the group in 1988.
Retirement and Legacy
Slick participated in a 1989 Jefferson Airplane reunion and subsequent tour. She retired from the music industry in 1990, stating that rock and roll is a form of expression best suited for younger performers. In 1996, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Since leaving the music industry, she has concentrated on the visual arts, moving away from her previous recording career.
Fast facts
- Born: 1939, Highland Park
- Primary Occupations: Singer, composer, painter
- Band Memberships: Jefferson Airplane, Great Society, Hot Tuna, Jefferson Starship, Starship
- Education: Palo Alto High School, Finch College, University of Miami
- Hall of Fame Induction: 1996
- Notable Solo Albums: Manhole, Dreams, Welcome to the Wrecking Ball!, Software
Questions readers ask
Why did Grace Slick retire from music?
She believed rock and roll was a medium for youth and felt that performers over the age of 50 appeared outdated singing songs that lacked relevance to their current lives.
When was she inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Slick was inducted in 1996 as a member of Jefferson Airplane.
Achievements
- Worked as singer, singer-songwriter and painter
.jpg)
