366Art | Paul Kantner

Today is Paul Kantner’s birthday. Guitarist, singer-songwriter, and co-founder of the rock band Jefferson Airplane. The edit above and his portrait on the musical reference book / birthday calendar below were made by me, Frieke.

Paul Kantner was an influential American musician, most renowned as a co-founder, guitarist, and vocalist of the iconic rock band Jefferson Airplane. He was born on March 17, 1941, in San Francisco, California, and passed away on January 28, 2016.

Kantner played a significant role in shaping the psychedelic rock sound of the 1960s and 1970s. He was a central figure in the music scene of San Francisco during the countercultural movement of that time, particularly associated with the Haight-Ashbury district. Jefferson Airplane achieved great success with hits like als Somebody to Love and White Rabbit where Kantner's vocal performances are prominent. He was known for his distinctive voice and his contributions to the songwriting of the band, often exploring themes related to social and political issues.

Jefferson Airplane was highly successful and appeared at major festivals of the 1960s, such as the Monterey Pop Festival, Woodstock, and the Altamont Free Concert. Grace Slick indeed served as a prominent figure for the band, while Paul Kantner's role as the mastermind and central figure within the group is emphasized. Kantner's contributions were crucial to the band's success and overall direction during that era.

Paul Kantner also released solo albums alongside his work with Jefferson Airplane. One of his more notable solo albums is Blows Against the Empire which was released in 1970. This album was created in collaboration with Jefferson Starship and is considered one of the first concept albums in rock music. The album explored themes of freedom, rebellion, and science fiction. In addition to "Blows Against the Empire," Kantner also released other solo albums, including Sunfighter (1971), which he recorded with Grace Slick, and Baron von Tollbooth & the Chrome Nun (1973) a collaboration with David Freiberg and Slick.

In the early 1970s, Jefferson Airplane disbanded due to internal tensions. Kantner and Slick formed a new band in 1974 called Jefferson Starship. Commercially, the new band was more successful than Jefferson Airplane. Some of the notable albums Kantner contributed to during his time with Jefferson Starship include : Red Octopus (1975), Spitfire (1976), Earth (1978) and Freedom at Point Zero (1979). These are just a few examples of the albums Kantner contributed to during his time with Jefferson Starship. He was a significant songwriter and performer within the band for many years.

Throughout his career, Kantner was known for his outspoken political views and his commitment to promoting peace and social justice. He continued to perform and record music until his passing, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the world of rock music.