Marty Balin was a key voice in the rise of psychedelic rock in the 1960s and beyond. As the founder of Jefferson Airplane and later a driving force in Jefferson Starship, he helped define an era with his soulful vocals and heartfelt songwriting. From his early solo attempts to radio hits like “Miracles” and “Hearts,” Balin’s career reflects the creative highs and personal struggles that shaped rock’s golden years.
Let’s take a closer look at the life, legacy, and music of this influential artist.
| Full Name | Martyn Jerel Buchwald |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Marty Balin |
| Born | January 30, 1942 – Cincinnati, Ohio, USA |
| Died | September 27, 2018 – Tampa, Florida, USA |
| Main Roles | Singer, Songwriter, Guitarist, Producer |
| Genres | Psychedelic Rock, Folk Rock, Soft Rock |
| Key Bands | Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, KBC Band |
| Major Hits | “Miracles” (#3), “Hearts” (#8), “Somebody to Love” (#5), “White Rabbit” (#8), “Count on Me” (#8), “Atlanta Lady” (#27) |
| Labels | Challenge, RCA, Grunt, EMI America |
| Other Pursuits | Visual Artist – owned and operated an art gallery |
Early Life and Musical Roots
Marty Balin was born Martyn Jerel Buchwald on January 30, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His parents were Catherine Eugenia “Jean” (née Talbot) and Joseph Buchwald. As a child, Balin faced challenges including a cleft palate, which was corrected through multiple surgeries. Despite this, he was drawn to performing at an early age.
His family moved to San Francisco, where he later attended Washington High School. It was during this time that he started to find his musical identity.
In 1962, Balin changed his name and signed to Challenge Records, releasing his first solo singles:
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“Nobody But You”
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“I Specialize in Love”
Though these singles didn’t chart, they marked the beginning of a lifelong career in music.
The Town Criers and the Birth of Jefferson Airplane
In 1964, Balin formed a short-lived folk group called The Town Criers. The quartet included Larry Vargo, Jan Ellickson, and Bill Collins. Inspired by the growing folk-rock scene, Balin decided to build something bigger.
By 1965, he founded Jefferson Airplane, assembling musicians including Paul Kantner, Jorma Kaukonen, Jack Casady, Signe Anderson, and Skip Spence. Balin invested his own money to help open the Matrix, a San Francisco nightclub where the band played its first shows.
Jefferson Airplane quickly rose to fame. With the addition of Grace Slick in 1966, the band hit its stride. In 1967, they released their breakout album Surrealistic Pillow, which included two iconic hits:
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“Somebody to Love” – #5 on the Billboard Hot 100
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“White Rabbit” – #8 on the Hot 100
These songs became anthems of the counterculture movement, and Balin’s rich vocals and romantic lyricism set him apart in a crowded rock scene.
Leaving Airplane, Joining Starship
Tensions within Jefferson Airplane led Balin to leave the band in 1971. He stepped back from the spotlight and briefly worked behind the scenes, producing for the Bay Area rock group Grootna. He also contributed vocals to the Bodacious DF project in 1973.
By 1975, Balin reunited with Paul Kantner and joined Jefferson Starship, a new project that evolved from Jefferson Airplane. His return proved fruitful. Balin penned and sang several of the band’s most successful singles, including:
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“Miracles” – #3 on the Billboard Hot 100
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“With Your Love” – #12
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“Count on Me” – #8
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“Runaway” – #12
“Miracles,” with its soft groove and romantic lyrics, became Jefferson Starship’s biggest hit. Balin’s emotional voice anchored the track, and it remains one of the most enduring songs of the 1970s.
However, by 1978, Balin again left the band, citing creative differences and burnout.
Solo Career and Later Projects
In 1981, Balin signed with EMI America and released his debut solo album, Balin. It featured two Top 40 hits:
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“Hearts” – #8 on the Billboard Hot 100
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“Atlanta Lady (Something About Your Love)” – #27
Both songs showcased a softer, more introspective side of Balin’s songwriting. His smooth vocals found a new audience in the adult contemporary market.
In 1983, he released a follow-up album titled Lucky, which failed to chart. Around this time, EMI Japan also released an EP titled There’s No Shoulder. Balin’s commercial momentum slowed, and his contract with EMI ended shortly afterward.
Still, Balin stayed active. He formed the KBC Band with Paul Kantner and Jack Casady in the mid-1980s. Their single “America” reached the Top 10 of the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in 1986.
Jefferson Airplane Reunion and Final Years
In 1989, the original Jefferson Airplane lineup reunited for a tour and a self-titled studio album. While the album received mixed reviews, fans were excited to see Balin back with his bandmates.
He also continued releasing solo albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including:
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Better Generation (1991)
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Marty Balin Greatest Hits (1999)
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Nothin’ 2 Lose (2003)
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The Witcher (2011) – his final studio album
In addition to music, Balin pursued his interest in visual art, opening an art gallery in Florida. He painted portraits of rock musicians and other subjects, enjoying a quieter life with his wife and children.
Legacy and Death
Marty Balin passed away on September 27, 2018, at the age of 76. He died in Tampa, Florida, shortly after undergoing heart surgery. His death marked the loss of one of rock’s most soulful and underrated voices.
While he may not have gained the same fame as some of his peers, Balin’s work—especially his role in Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship—left a deep mark on American rock history.
Final Thoughts
Marty Balin helped define the voice of a generation. As a founding member of Jefferson Airplane and a key player in Jefferson Starship, he shaped the sound of psychedelic and arena rock. His solo hits in the ’80s showed a different, more personal side of his talent.
Through all the changes and challenges, Balin stayed true to his passion for music and art. His voice, songs, and spirit continue to inspire fans around the world.