View source for Jefferson Starship

{{short description|American rock band}}
{{distinguish |Jefferson Airplane|Starship (band)}}
{{refimprove|date=September 2022}}
{{pp-sock|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2012}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Jefferson Starship
| background        = group_or_band
| image             = Jefferson Starship photo 1976 (names cropped).JPG
| landscape         = yes
| caption           = Jefferson Starship in 1976 (left to right: back: Pete Sears, Paul Kantner, Grace Slick, John Barbata.
front: David Freiberg, Marty Balin, Craig Chaquico)
| origin            = [[San Francisco]], [[California]]
| genre             = 
{{flatlist|
*[[Rock music|Rock]]
*[[hard rock]]
*[[psychedelic rock]] 
*[[progressive rock]]
*[[soft rock]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://80music.about.com/od/artistsfj/p/Jefferson-Starship-Artist-Profile.htm|title=Profile of '70s & '80s Soft Rock/Arena Rock Band Jefferson Starship |website=80music.about.com |access-date=March 12, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304200930/http://80music.about.com/od/artistsfj/p/Jefferson-Starship-Artist-Profile.htm|archive-date=March 4, 2016|url-status=dead|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref>
}}
| years_active      = 
{{flatlist|
*1974–1984
*1992–present
}}
| label             = 
{{flatlist|
*[[RCA Records|RCA]]
*[[Grunt Records|Grunt]]
*[[Epic Records|Epic]]
}}
| spinoff_of        = [[Jefferson Airplane]]
| spinoffs          = {{hlist|[[Starship (band)|Starship]]|[[KBC Band]]}}
| website           = {{url|jeffersonstarship.com}}
| current_members   = *[[David Freiberg]]
*[[Donny Baldwin]]
*Chris Smith
*[[Cathy Richardson]]
*[[Jude Gold]]
| past_members      = See: [[List of Jefferson Starship members]]
}}
'''Jefferson Starship''' is an American rock band from [[San Francisco]] formed in 1974 by a group of musicians including former members of [[Jefferson Airplane]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kurtz |first=Warren |date=April 8, 2024 |title=Jefferson Starship members on band's 50th anniversary and celebrated music |url=https://www.goldminemag.com/columns/jefferson-starship-members-on-bands-50th-anniversary-and-celebrated-music |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240423132006/https://www.goldminemag.com/columns/jefferson-starship-members-on-bands-50th-anniversary-and-celebrated-music |archive-date=April 23, 2024 |access-date=April 23, 2024 |website=Goldmine Magazine: Record Collector & Music Memorabilia |language=en}}</ref> Between 1974 and 1984, they released eight [[RIAA certification|gold]] or [[Music recording sales certification|platinum]]-selling studio albums, and one gold-selling compilation.<ref name="RIAA">{{cite web|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=jefferson+starship&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|title=Jefferson Airplane/Starship Gold and Platinum Selling Certifications |website=Recording Industry Association of America|access-date=June 24, 2019|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229230700/https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=jefferson+starship&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH |archive-date=December 29, 2019 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The album ''[[Red Octopus]]'' went double-platinum and was No. 1 on the [[Billboard 200|''Billboard'' 200]] chart in 1975.<ref name="Billboard_200">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jefferson-starship/chart-history/tlp/|title=Jefferson Starship Billboard 200 Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=October 31, 2021|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201118051328/https://www.billboard.com/music/jefferson-starship/chart-history/TLP|archive-date=November 18, 2020|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The band went through several major changes in personnel and genres through the years while retaining the Jefferson Starship name. The band name was retired in 1984, but it was picked up again in 1992 by a revival of the group led by [[Paul Kantner]], which continued after his death in 2016.

The group was formed by former Jefferson Airplane members Kantner and [[Grace Slick]], and evolved from several solo albums they had recorded. They were joined by [[David Freiberg]], [[Craig Chaquico]], [[John Barbata]], [[Pete Sears]], and [[Papa John Creach]]. Former Airplane frontman [[Marty Balin]] subsequently joined the group in 1975, and the following year's album ''[[Spitfire (Jefferson Starship album)|Spitfire]]'' was a top five hit.<ref name="Billboard_200"/> Slick and Balin both left the group in 1978, leaving the remaining members to recruit [[Mickey Thomas (singer)|Mickey Thomas]] as their replacement. In 1981 Slick rejoined the group, which continued with minor chart success. Kantner quit in 1984 and took legal action towards using the name; the remaining members became [[Starship (band)|Starship]]. Kantner reformed the group as Jefferson Starship: The Next Generation in 1992, which toured regularly throughout that decade and into the 21st century. After Kantner's death, the group continued with new members. Craig Chaquico filed a lawsuit against them in 2016 for continuing to use the name, and the suit was subsequently settled.

==History==
===1970–1974: Origins===
In 1970, while [[Jefferson Airplane]] was on break from touring, singer-guitarist [[Paul Kantner]] recorded ''[[Blows Against the Empire]]''. It is a concept album featuring an ad hoc group of musicians (centered on Kantner, [[Grace Slick]], [[Joey Covington]], and [[Jack Casady]] of Jefferson Airplane; [[David Crosby]] and [[Graham Nash]]; and [[Grateful Dead]] members [[Jerry Garcia]], [[Mickey Hart]], and [[Bill Kreutzmann]]) credited on the LP as Paul Kantner and "Jefferson Starship", marking the first use of that name.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/music/album/paul-kantner-jefferson-starship/blows-against-the-empire/8d6kgx512wh2|title=Blows Against the Empire|website=Microsoft.com|access-date=July 5, 2017|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023164225/https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/music/album/paul-kantner-jefferson-starship/blows-against-the-empire/8d6kgx512wh2|archive-date=October 23, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="BATE-AllMusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/blows-against-the-empire-mw0000024441|title=Blows Against the Empire |last=Ruhlmann |first=William |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=September 9, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180509080517/https://www.allmusic.com/album/blows-against-the-empire-mw0000024441|archive-date=May 9, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> This agglomeration was informally known as the Planet Earth Rock and Roll Orchestra, a moniker later used on a Kantner album in the early 1980s.<ref name="PERRO-AllMusic">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/planet-earth-rock-and-roll-orchestra-mw0000855723|title=Planet Earth Rock and Roll Orchestra|last=Ruhlmann|first=William|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=October 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301031500/https://www.allmusic.com/album/planet-earth-rock-and-roll-orchestra-mw0000855723|archive-date=March 1, 2022|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

On ''Blows Against the Empire'', Kantner and Slick sang about a group of people escaping Earth in a hijacked starship. In 1971, the album was nominated for the prestigious science fiction prize, the [[Hugo Award]], a rare honor for a musical recording.  Kantner and Slick were a couple during this period. Slick was pregnant during the recording of the album.<ref>{{cite book |last=Tamarakin |first=Jeff |year=2003 |title=Got a Revolution: The Turbulent Flight of Jefferson Airplane |publisher=Simon and Schuster|page=231|isbn=0-671-03403-0}}</ref> Their daughter, [[China Kantner|China]], was born shortly thereafter.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nu8gAAAAIBAJ&pg=5269,3520946&dq=paul+kantner&hl=en|title=Daughter Born To Pop Singer|date=January 26, 1971|publisher=The Day|access-date=December 5, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222164448/https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=nu8gAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vnMFAAAAIBAJ&pg=5269,3520946&dq=paul+kantner&hl=en|archive-date=December 22, 2015|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Kantner and Slick with the Planet Earth Rock and Roll Orchestra released two follow-up albums: ''[[Sunfighter]]'', an environmentalism-tinged album released in 1971 to celebrate China's birth, and 1973's ''[[Baron von Tollbooth & the Chrome Nun]]'', titled after the nicknames [[David Crosby]] had given to the couple. Bassist/keyboardist/vocalist [[David Freiberg]] was given equal billing alongside Kantner and Slick on the latter album. A founding member of [[Quicksilver Messenger Service]], Freiberg had known and played with Kantner on the folk circuit in the early 1960s and sang background vocals on ''Blows Against the Empire''. Following a marijuana arrest that resulted in his departure from Quicksilver in 1971, he joined Jefferson Airplane as a vocalist for their 1972 tour, documented on the live album ''[[Thirty Seconds Over Winterland]]'' (1973).<ref name=Freiberg-AM>{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/david-freiberg-mn0000638153/biography |title=David Freiberg |last=Unterberger |first=Richie |website=[[Allmusic]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011021453/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/david-freiberg-mn0000638153/biography |archive-date=October 11, 2017 |url-status=live |language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="TSOW-AllMusic">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/thirty-seconds-over-winterland-mw0000204694|title=Thirty Seconds Over Winterland|last=Planer|first=Lindsay|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=October 2, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120621195522/http://www.allmusic.com/album/thirty-seconds-over-winterland-mw0000204694|archive-date=June 21, 2012|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Kantner was introduced to the teenage guitarist [[Craig Chaquico]] through his friend and fellow musician, Jack Traylor, during this time. Chaquico, a high school English student of Traylor's and a member in his band Steelwind, played guitar on the song "Earth Mother" from ''Sunfighter''.<ref>{{cite book |last=Tamarakin |first=Jeff |year=2003 |title=Got a Revolution: The Turbulent Flight of Jefferson Airplane |publisher=Simon and Schuster|page=251|isbn=0-671-03403-0}}</ref> Chaquico would go on to perform with Kantner and Slick on their subsequent album collaborations, then with Jefferson Starship, and finally with Starship until 1990.<ref name="allmusic">{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/jefferson-starship-mn0000840050/biography |title=Jefferson Starship: Artist Biography |last=Ruhlmann |first=William |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=August 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625213447/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jefferson-starship-mn0000840050/biography|archive-date=June 25, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="AllMusicStarshipBio">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/starship-mn0000748168/biography|title=AllMusic Starship Biography |last=Ruhlmann|first=William |website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620102219/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/starship-mn0000748168/biography|archive-date=June 20, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Early in 1974, Slick released ''[[Manhole (album)|Manhole]]'', her first solo album.<ref name="Manhole-AllMusic">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/manhole-mw0000015080|title=Manhole|last=Viglione|first=Joe|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120619200955/http://www.allmusic.com/album/manhole-mw0000015080|archive-date=June 19, 2012|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Appearing along with Slick on ''Manhole'' were Kantner, Freiberg, Chaquico, Jack Casady, David Crosby, and the [[London Symphony Orchestra]].<ref name="Manhole-AllMusic"/> It was on that album that Kantner, Slick, and Freiberg next worked with bassist and keyboard player [[Pete Sears]] (who had first played on [[Papa John Creach]]'s first solo album). Sears, was co-producing a [[Kathi McDonald]] album in the same studio. Sears wrote the music to Slick's lyrics for the song "Better Lying Down," and also played bass on the song "Epic #38". It was during this session at Wally Heider studios in San Francisco that Kantner and Slick first approached Sears about playing in what would eventually become Jefferson Starship.<ref>{{cite book |last=Tamarakin |first=Jeff |year=2003 |title=Got a Revolution: The Turbulent Flight of Jefferson Airplane |publisher=Simon and Schuster|page=270|isbn=0-671-03403-0}}</ref> Sears would eventually join Jefferson Starship in June 1974, replacing [[Peter Kaukonen]].<ref name="allmusic"/>

In early 1974, with guitarist Jorma Kaukonen and bass player Jack Casady having moved on to their band [[Hot Tuna]] full-time, Kantner decided to put together a touring band without them. The musicians on ''Baron von Tollbooth & the Chrome Nun'' formed the core of a new lineup that was formally reborn as Jefferson Starship. They appropriated the name from Kantner's ''Blows Against the Empire'', with manager [[Bill Thompson (manager)|Bill Thompson]] convincing the group that keeping the connection to Jefferson Airplane made sense from a business standpoint.<ref>{{cite book |last=Tamarakin |first=Jeff |year=2003 |title=Got a Revolution: The Turbulent Flight of Jefferson Airplane |publisher=Simon and Schuster|page=267|isbn=0-671-03403-0}}</ref> It included the other five remaining members of Jefferson Airplane, including Kantner on rhythm guitar and vocals; Slick on vocals and percussion, David Freiberg on vocals and keyboards, [[John Barbata]], who had played with [[the Turtles]] and Crosby, Stills and Nash, on drums and Papa John Creach, from Hot Tuna, on electric violin. Jorma Kaukonen's brother, Peter (who had appeared on the albums ''Blows Against the Empire'' and ''Sunfighter''), was on bass. On lead guitar was Craig Chaquico who had played on three of Kantner and Slick's solo albums, as well as in the band Steelwind. The band began rehearsals in January 1974 and opened its first tour in Chicago on March 19. By April, it was decided that the band would go into the studio to record an album. British veteran Pete Sears, who had worked on Slick's solo album, ''Manhole'', and played with Rod Stewart, was selected to replace Peter Kaukonen as the band's bass player.<ref name="allmusic"/>

===1974–1978: Balin on board and commercial apogee===
[[File:Jefferson Starship 1976.JPG|thumb|right|Promotional shot in 1976]]
In 1974, after touring as "Jefferson Starship," Kantner, Slick, Freiberg, Chaquico, Pete Sears, Papa John Creach, and John Barbata recorded the album ''[[Dragon Fly (album)|Dragon Fly]]''. Jorma Kaukonen's brother Peter had played bass during the group's spring tour in 1974, but was replaced by [[Pete Sears]] who, like Freiberg, played bass and keyboards. Kantner collaborated with [[Marty Balin]] on the song "Caroline" during the recording sessions, for which Balin sang vocals on the album.<ref name="allmusic"/> ''Dragon Fly'' was certified gold, and included the single "Ride the Tiger" (No. 84 [[Billboard Hot 100|US Billboard]]) and its [[B-side]] "Hyperdrive".<ref name="RIAA"/><ref name="Billboard-H100">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/jefferson-starship/chart-history/hsi/|title=Jefferson Starship Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=June 24, 2019|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191229230847/https://www.billboard.com/music/jefferson-starship/chart-history/hot-100|archive-date=December 29, 2019|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Balin then appeared on-stage with the band to perform the song "Caroline" for a show at the Winterland ballroom in November 1974.<ref name="allmusic"/><ref name="BestClassicBands">{{cite web |url=https://bestclassicbands.com/marty-balin-joins-jefferson-starship-onstage-11-21-15/ |title=Nov 21, 1974: Marty Balin Joins Jefferson Starship Onstage |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|publisher=Best Classic Bands |date=November 21, 2015|access-date=August 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180820074615/https://bestclassicbands.com/marty-balin-joins-jefferson-starship-onstage-11-21-15/|archive-date=August 20, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

[[File:CC - '70s Jefferson Starship Live Concert photo by Ron Draper.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Jefferson Starship free concert at Marx Meadow, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, May 30, 1975<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.djpreskool.com/blog/2016/1/29/paul-kantner-a-memory |title=Paul Kantner - A memory — PreSkool - A Mind Blown |date=January 29, 2016 |access-date=July 9, 2020 |archive-date=July 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200709184044/https://www.djpreskool.com/blog/2016/1/29/paul-kantner-a-memory |url-status=live }}</ref> (''[[White Panther Party#San Francisco|People's Ballroom in the Park]]'')]]
Their followup album, 1975's ''[[Red Octopus]]'', had even greater success. Marty Balin, who had contributed and sung the ballad "Caroline" on the previous album, officially returned to the Jefferson fold as a full-time member in January 1975 and stayed with the group for nearly the remainder of the decade.<ref name="BestClassicBands"/> The Balin penned single "[[Miracles (Jefferson Starship song)|Miracles]]” peaked at No. 3 on the chart, and along with the single “Play on Love” (No. 49 US Billboard Chart), helped to propel the album to eventual multiple-platinum status and topping the [[Billboard 200]] chart.<ref name="RIAA"/><ref name="Billboard-H100"/><ref name="Billboard_200"/> It would be the biggest selling album of the band's career. Creach quietly left the group soon after in August 1975 to pursue a solo career.<ref name="DeRiso">{{cite web |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/jefferson-starship-red-octopus/ |title=Revisiting Jefferson Starship's Zenith, 'Red Octopus' |last=DeRiso|first=Nick|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|publisher=[[Loudwire]]|date=June 13, 2015|access-date=August 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180625213213/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/jefferson-starship-red-octopus/|archive-date=June 25, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The next album, ''[[Spitfire (Jefferson Starship album)|Spitfire]]'', was released in June 1976 and went platinum.<ref name="allmusic"/> It spent six weeks at No. 3 on the Billboard charts, and included the singles "With Your Love" (No. 12 US Billboard Chart) and "St. Charles" (No. 64 US Billboard Chart).<ref name="RIAA"/><ref name="Billboard-H100"/><ref name="Billboard_200"/> Regardless of this success, the band considered the album's sales to be relatively disappointing compared to its predecessor and requested an audit from [[RCA Records]], distributor of their Grunt label.<ref name="Rolling-Stone-Jefferson-Starship-1978">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jefferson-starship-strange-times-at-the-launching-pad-53857/ |title=Jefferson Starship: Strange Times on the Launching Pad|date=May 18, 1978|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]]|volume=58|access-date=August 31, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180827110405/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jefferson-starship-strange-times-at-the-launching-pad-53857/|archive-date=August 27, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all }}</ref> RCA subsequently put a reported $500,000 into the next Jefferson Starship project. ''[[Earth (Jefferson Starship album)|Earth]]'' was released in February 1978 and also went platinum.<ref name="allmusic"/> The album featured the singles "Count on Me" (No. 8 US Billboard Chart), "Runaway" (No. 12 US Billboard Chart), and "Crazy Feelin'" (No. 54 US Billboard Chart).<ref name="Billboard-H100"/> Tours of the U.S. and Europe would soon follow.

Balin's reluctance to tour had kept the band off the road for over a year, and Slick's alcoholism increasingly became a problem, which led to two consecutive nights of disastrous concerts in West Germany in June 1978.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://popshifter.com/2008-03-30/wasted-the-top-five-most-inebriated-performances-tours-in-no-particular-order/|title=Wasted! The Top 5 Most Inebriated Performances/Tours (In No Particular Order)|last=Carney|first=Emily|date=March 30, 2008|website=Popshifter.com|access-date=September 17, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729111037/http://popshifter.com/2008-03-30/wasted-the-top-five-most-inebriated-performances-tours-in-no-particular-order/|archive-date=July 29, 2017|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On the first night, the band was scheduled to play at the [[Freilichtbühne Loreley|Loreley Amphitheatre]], on the bill with [[Leo Kottke]] and the [[Atlanta Rhythm Section]], but Slick was unable to perform and the show was cancelled.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://starship.lu/E78/78creem.html|title=Starship Disaster|last=McConnell|first=Andy|work=[[Creem]]|publisher=Barry Kramer|date=October 1978|access-date=July 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729094905/http://starship.lu/E78/78creem.html|archive-date=July 29, 2017|url-status=dead|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The show was rescheduled for July 2, but the audience were unhappy with this and began rioting, destroying or stealing some of the band's gear.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.guitarplayer.com/artists/1013/jefferson-starships-craig-chaquico-reunited-with-stolen-1959-les-paul-39-years-later/62022|title=Jefferson Starship's Craig Chaquico Reunited with Stolen 1959 Les Paul 39 Years Later|work=Guitar Player|access-date=2017-10-07|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007221231/http://www.guitarplayer.com/artists/1013/jefferson-starships-craig-chaquico-reunited-with-stolen-1959-les-paul-39-years-later/62022|archive-date=October 7, 2017|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> The band acquired replacement gear for the following day's show in Hamburg, which was marred by a drunken Slick continually swearing and insulting the audience throughout the show.<ref name="Swanson">{{cite web |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/grace-slick-quits-jefferson-starship/ |title=When Grace Slick Quit Jefferson Starship After a Drunken Germany Show |last=Swanson|first=Dave|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|publisher=[[Loudwire]]|date=June 20, 2013|access-date=November 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201205601/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/grace-slick-quits-jefferson-starship/|archive-date=February 1, 2021|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> She repeatedly asked "Who won the war?", and implied that all Germans were responsible for the wartime atrocities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gotarevolution.com/lorelei.htm |title=The Hangar: The Song of the Lorelei|last=Tamarkin|first=Jeff|website=Gotarevolution.com|access-date=February 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205145620/http://www.gotarevolution.com/lorelei.htm|archive-date=February 5, 2016|url-status=dead|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0394376/fullcredits/|title="Behind the Music" Jefferson Airplane (TV Episode 1998)|access-date=October 27, 2017|website=IMDb.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307045809/https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0394376/fullcredits/|archive-date=March 7, 2019|url-status=live|language=en-US}}</ref> Slick later described her behavior as a deliberate provocation to force her departure.<ref name="LouderSound">{{Cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/what-happened-when-grace-slick-left-jefferson-starship|title='I Wanted to be So Out of Line that When I Fired Myself the Next Day Nobody Would Object': The Night Grace Slick Left Jefferson Starship|last=Lewry|first=Fraser|date=June 18, 2023|website=LouderSound.com|publisher=Future Publishing Limited|access-date=June 25, 2023|quote="I didn't like the 'reconstituted Airplane' situation, and I didn't like me for taking part in it." ... "I wanted to be so out of line that when I fired myself the next day nobody would object."|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230622170646/https://www.loudersound.com/features/what-happened-when-grace-slick-left-jefferson-starship|archive-date=June 22, 2023|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Kantner subsequently asked for Slick's resignation from the band, and she left the group at this time.<ref name="Swanson"/><ref name="LouderSound"/>

Towards the end of 1978, a Jefferson Starship that was now without Grace Slick but still including Marty Balin recorded the single "Light the Sky on Fire" (No. 66 US Billboard Chart) for television's ''[[Star Wars Holiday Special]]''.<ref name="Rivadavia">{{cite web |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/jefferson-starship-light-the-sky-on-fire-video/ |title=Jefferson Starship, 'Light the Sky on Fire' - Hilariously Outdated Videos|last=Rivadavia|first=Eduardo|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|publisher=[[Loudwire]]|date=December 19, 2013|access-date=November 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728223815/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/jefferson-starship-light-the-sky-on-fire-video/|archive-date=July 28, 2017|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Billboard-H100"/> It was released as a promotional tie-in to the special (backed with "Hyperdrive" from ''Dragon Fly''), and was also included as a bonus with their greatest hits album ''[[Gold (Jefferson Starship album)|Gold]]'' (1979), which highlighted their work from 1974's ''Dragon Fly'' to 1978's ''Earth''.<ref name="Gold-allmusic">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/gold-mw0000267147|title=Gold - Jefferson Starship|last=McCombs|first=Joseph|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=November 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628181132/http://www.allmusic.com/album/gold-mw0000267147|archive-date=June 28, 2017|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In October 1978, Marty Balin left the group, leaving the band without a lead singer.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/news/jefferson-airplanes-marty-balin-dead-at-76/|title=Jefferson Airplane's Marty Balin Dead at 76|last=Kim|first= Michelle|date=September 28, 2018|work=Pitchfork|publisher=[[Conde Nast]]|access-date=November 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126055847/https://pitchfork.com/news/jefferson-airplanes-marty-balin-dead-at-76/|archive-date=January 26, 2021|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> That same month, John Barbata was seriously injured in a car accident that forced him to drop out of the group.<ref name="allmusic"/>

===1979–1984: Changing personnel and sound===
[[File:Jefferson Starship 19.jpg|thumb|upright=1.1|Mickey Thomas, Pete Sears, and Aynsley Dunbar of Jefferson Starship in 1981]]
In early 1979, the band regrouped. Barbata was replaced on drums by [[Aynsley Dunbar]], who had previously played with [[Journey (band)|Journey]], in January 1979.<ref name="allmusic"/> [[Mickey Thomas (singer)|Mickey Thomas]] (who had sung lead on Elvin Bishop's "Fooled Around and Fell in Love") was invited to audition and then joined the group in April 1979.<ref name="allmusic"/> 

[[File:Jefferson Starship 22.jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Pete Sears and Craig Chaquico of Jefferson Starship in Central Park in 1981]]
In 1979, the band released their first album without Marty Balin or Grace Slick, the gold-selling ''[[Freedom at Point Zero]]''.<ref name="RIAA"/> The album was produced by [[Ron Nevison]], who would also produce two of the band's following three albums. The single "[[Jane (Jefferson Starship song)|Jane]]" (Freiberg, McPherson, Chaquico and Kantner) peaked at No. 14 on the ''[[Billboard Hot 100]]'' and spent three weeks at No. 6 on the ''[[Cashbox (magazine)|Cash Box]]'' Top 100.<sup>[[Freedom at Point Zero#cite note-3|[3]]]</sup><ref name="Billboard-H100"/> The new lineup toured, augmented by saxophonist Steve Schuster. Schuster, along with horn player David Farey, had previously played on Jefferson Starship's 1978 tour, and he had also appeared on ''Freedom at Point Zero''.

[[File:Starship Onstage 1985 - Slick, Thomas, Sears, Chaquico, Baldwin, Freiberg - Great America (John Lushenko).jpg|thumb|left|upright=1.1|Jefferson Starship onstage at Great America, June 23, 1984, shortly before the evolution into [[Starship (band)|Starship]] (l-to-r Grace Slick, Mickey Thomas, Pete Sears, Paul Kantner, Craig Chaquico, Donny Baldwin, and David Freiberg).]]

In early 1981, Grace Slick returned to the band, rejoining in time to sing on one song, "Stranger," (No. 48 on the ''Billboard Hot 100'' chart), on the group's next album, ''[[Modern Times (Jefferson Starship album)|Modern Times]]'' (1981).<ref name="Billboard-H100"/> ''Modern Times'', which also went gold, included the song "Find Your Way Back" (No. 29), as well as the humorous "Stairway to Cleveland", in which the band defended the numerous changes it had undergone in its musical style, personnel, and even name.<ref name="RIAA"/><ref name="Billboard-H100"/> ''Modern Times'' also featured the promo single, "Save Your Love", (No. 104). Slick remained in the band for Jefferson Starship's next album, ''[[Winds of Change (Jefferson Starship album)|Winds of Change]]'' (1982), which was certified gold.<ref name="RIAA"/> ''Winds of Change'' featured the singles "Be My Lady," which reached No. 26 in the US, and "Winds of Change" (No. 38).<ref name="Billboard-H100"/> By August 1982, after the recording of ''Winds of Change'' but prior to the supporting tour, Dunbar was replaced by [[Donny Baldwin]], who had performed with Thomas in the Elvin Bishop Group. Paul Kantner's 1983 solo album, ''[[Planet Earth Rock and Roll Orchestra (album)|Planet Earth Rock and Roll Orchestra]]'', included the track "Circle of Fire", which had been recorded by Jefferson Starship during the ''Winds of Change'' sessions in 1982. Other members of the band also appeared on additional tracks on this effort.<ref name="PERRO-Allmusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/planet-earth-rock-and-roll-orchestra-mw0000855723 |title=Planet Earth Rock and Roll Orchestra |last=Ruhlmann |first=William |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=October 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220301031500/https://www.allmusic.com/album/planet-earth-rock-and-roll-orchestra-mw0000855723 |archive-date=March 1, 2022 |url-status=live |language=en-US |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Around this time, the band began enthusiastically embracing the rock-video age, making elaborate videos typical of the era's superstar bands. They would appear frequently on [[Music Television|MTV]] and other music-oriented television shows such as ''Solid Gold'', and 1984's ''Super Night of Rock and Roll'', giving the band a high visibility in the MTV era. Their next album, ''[[Nuclear Furniture]]'' (1984), reached No. 28 and was also certified gold.<ref name="RIAA"/><ref name="Billboard_200"/> It featured the singles "No Way Out" (a [[Top 40]] hit, reaching No. 23), "Layin' It On the Line" (No. 66), and "Sorry Me, Sorry You".<ref name="Billboard-H100"/>

===1984-1985: Kantner departs and transition to Starship===
While Balin and Slick had come and gone over the years, in June 1984, after the release of ''Nuclear Furniture'', Kantner, the last remaining founding member of Jefferson Airplane, left the band due to disputes over the group's artistic direction. "I think we would be terrible failures trying to write pop songs all the time. … The band became more mundane and not quite as challenging and not quite as much of a thing to be proud of," said Kantner.<ref name="UCR_Giles">{{Cite web|title=How Jefferson Airplane Became Jefferson Starship – And Then Just Starship|url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/jefferson-airplane-jefferson-starship-starship/|website=Ultimate Classic Rock|first=Jeff|last=Giles|date=August 15, 2014|access-date=December 25, 2015|publisher=[[Loudwire]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929212932/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/jefferson-airplane-jefferson-starship-starship/|archive-date=September 29, 2017|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In October 1984, Kantner took legal action over money he claimed he was owed and to prevent the remaining members from continuing to use the name Jefferson Starship. The lawsuit was settled in March 1985. Kantner received a cash settlement, the name Jefferson Starship became the property of Grace Slick (51%) and Bill Thompson (49%), and all parties agreed to not use the name "Jefferson" going forward.<ref name=":0">{{cite book |last=Tamarakin |first=Jeff |year=2003 |title=Got a Revolution: The Turbulent Flight of Jefferson Airplane |publisher=Simon and Schuster |page=330|isbn=0-671-03403-0}}</ref> The remaining members renamed themselves [[Starship (band)|Starship]], and continued to tour and record music. David Freiberg was dismissed from the band shortly after the lawsuit was settled. Pete Sears departed in 1987. Grace Slick left Starship in early 1988, going on to join the reformed Jefferson Airplane for an album and tour in 1989. Craig Chaquico departed in 1990. The band has been billed as "Starship featuring Mickey Thomas" since 1992.<ref name="UCR_Giles"/><ref name="AllMusicStarshipBio"/>

Shortly after leaving Jefferson Starship, Kantner formed the [[KBC Band]] with (among others) his former bandmates Marty Balin and Jack Casady. They released an [[KBC Band (album)|eponymous album]] in 1986, but soon broke up after Balin lost interest. In 1988, Kantner toured with Casady in [[Hot Tuna]]. This led to a full Jefferson Airplane reunion in 1989, which also resulted in an [[Jefferson Airplane (album)|eponymous album]] and subsequent tour. In 1991, Kantner toured with an acoustic ensemble called "Paul Kantner's Wooden Ships," a trio that included [[Slick Aguilar]] and [[Tim Gorman]] from the KBC Band.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-10-28-ca-352-story.html |title=Pop Music Reviews: Kantner's Idealism Still Flies |last=Hochman|first=Steve|date=October 28, 1991 |work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=January 15, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230115071215/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-10-28-ca-352-story.html|archive-date=January 15, 2023|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

===1992–2016: Revival===
[[File:JeffersonStarshipSome1996.jpg|thumb|right|upright=1.1|Paul Kantner, Diana Mangano, and Marty Balin performing in 1996]]
Paul Kantner reestablished the band as "Jefferson Starship: The Next Generation" in January 1992, for which Kantner recruited Jack Casady, Papa John Creach, Slick Aguilar, Tim Gorman, former [[The Tubes|Tubes]] drummer [[Prairie Prince]], and former [[World Entertainment War]] vocalist [[Darby Gould]].<ref name="Courant">{{cite news |url=https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-1992-02-11-0000204147-story.html |title=Kantner Hijacks Starship for a New Generation |last=Catlin |first=Roger |newspaper=[[Hartford Courant]] |date=February 11, 1992 |access-date=February 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003041721/https://www.courant.com/news/connecticut/hc-xpm-1992-02-11-0000204147-story.html |archive-date=October 3, 2019 |url-status=live |language=en-US |df=mdy-all }}</ref><ref name="SunSentinel">{{cite news |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1992-07-03-9202170761-story.html |title=Restructured Starship Still has Some Mileage Left; Founder Paul Kantner has Given Starship a Little Maintenance, and the Band is Ready to Roll for a Few More Years |last=Wilker |first=Deborah |newspaper=[[Sun-Sentinel]] |date=July 3, 1992 |access-date=October 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210629060544/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/fl-xpm-1992-07-03-9202170761-story.html |archive-date=June 29, 2021 |url-status=live |language=en-US |df=mdy-all }}</ref> In 1993, Balin joined.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/03/arts/review-pop-jefferson-starship-reassembled-for-the-90-s.html |title=Review/Pop; Jefferson Starship, Reassembled for the 90's |last=Holden |first=Stephen |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |date=July 3, 1993 |access-date=August 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831073758/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/03/arts/review-pop-jefferson-starship-reassembled-for-the-90-s.html|archive-date=August 31, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Creach died in February 1994, weeks after touring Europe. Concurrently, vocalist Diana Mangano joined the group (after a brief spell by original Jefferson Airplane singer [[Signe Toly Anderson]]) as Gould's replacement.<ref name="allmusic"/><ref name="SFChronicle">{{Cite news|url=https://www.sfchronicle.com/music/article/Signe-Toly-Anderson-original-singer-for-6797458.php|title=Signe Toly Anderson, Original Jefferson Airplane Singer, Dies|author=Aiden Vazeri|work=[[San Francisco Chronicle]]|access-date=November 1, 2022|url-status=live|language=en-US|date=January 31, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221102032300/https://www.sfchronicle.com/music/article/Signe-Toly-Anderson-original-singer-for-6797458.php|archive-date=November 2, 2022|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

After the first couple of years, the band dropped the use of "The Next Generation", and began to perform as simply Jefferson Starship. In 1995 they released ''[[Deep Space / Virgin Sky]]'', a live album recorded at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, California on January 21, 1995. The album featured eight new and seven classic tunes. Grace Slick joined the band for five songs, "Lawman", "Wooden Ships", "[[Somebody to Love (Jefferson Airplane song)|Somebody to Love]]" and "[[White Rabbit (Jefferson Airplane song)|White Rabbit]]" and "[[Volunteers (song)|Volunteers]]". In 1999 Jefferson Starship released the studio album ''[[Windows of Heaven (album)|Windows of Heaven]]'', which featured Slick on background vocals on one song, "I'm On Fire".<ref name=WOH-AllMusic>{{cite web |url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/windows-of-heaven-mw0000047535 |title=Windows of Heaven - Jefferson Starship|first=Michael B.|last=Smith|website=allmusic.com |access-date=July 1, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140627023354/http://www.allmusic.com/album/windows-of-heaven-mw0000047535 |archive-date=June 27, 2014 |url-status=live |language=en-US |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

Balin continued as a full-time member of the reunited band until 2003 and continued to occasionally join them in concert up until 2008.<ref name="DeRiso"/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/marty-balin-paul-kantner/ |title=Marty Balin Pays Tribute to Former Jefferson Airplane/Jefferson Starship Bandmate Paul Kantner |last=DeRiso |first=Nick |work=Ultimate Classic Rock |publisher=[[Loudwire]] |date=January 29, 2016 |access-date=August 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825180345/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/marty-balin-paul-kantner/|archive-date=August 25, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Casady remained a member until 2000 and has also (since 1983) played with Jorma Kaukonen in a reunited Hot Tuna. Gorman left in 1995 and was replaced by Gary Cambra (from [[The Tubes]]), Barry Flast and then [[T Lavitz]], who stayed with the band for the recording of ''Windows of Heaven'' but was replaced by former Supremes keyboardist Chris Smith before the album's release. In 2005, twenty years after leaving, David Freiberg rejoined the group.<ref name="Rolling-Stone-David-Freiberg">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/octogenarian-rocker-david-freiberg-on-keeping-the-jefferson-airplane-legacy-alive-711568/ |title=Veteran Frisco Rocker David Freiberg on Keeping Jefferson Starship's Legacy Alive |last=Browne|first=David|date=August 24, 2018|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907023848/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/octogenarian-rocker-david-freiberg-on-keeping-the-jefferson-airplane-legacy-alive-711568/|archive-date=September 7, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|access-date=September 6, 2018|df=mdy-all }}</ref> Freiberg had apologized to Kantner for not departing the group with him back in 1984, ending their estrangement.<ref name="Rolling-Stone-David-Freiberg"/> Jefferson Starship played three songs on NBC's The Today Show on June 30, 2007.<ref name="Stars_Tonight-Fenton">{{cite book |last=Fenton |first=Craig |title=Have You Seen the Stars Tonite: The Jefferson Starship Flight Manual 1974–1978 and J. S. the Next Generation 1992–2007 |date=August 7, 2008 |pages=131–132|publisher=Createspace |isbn=978-1438245348 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y9RDfjxEtF4C&pg=PA104 |access-date=October 15, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171016014300/https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=Y9RDfjxEtF4C&pg=PA104&lpg=PA104 |archive-date=October 16, 2017 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all |language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2007, Jefferson Starship began working with corporate sponsors. The owners of the name Jefferson Starship, Grace Slick along with manager Bill Thompson, objected. They sued Kantner for the sponsorship and for touring under the Jefferson Starship name, citing their initial separation agreement in 1985. All parties later agreed that Kantner could go forward, after paying Slick and Thompson an undisclosed fee.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Licensing-deal-ends-Jefferson-Starship-spat-3286777.php|title=Licensing-deal-ends-Jefferson-Starship-spat|first=Bob|last=Egelko|date=April 19, 2008|work=[[SFGate.com]]|access-date=September 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180916035521/https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Licensing-deal-ends-Jefferson-Starship-spat-3286777.php|archive-date=September 16, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

Mangano was replaced by vocalist [[Cathy Richardson]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cleveland.com/popmusic/index.ssf/2008/10/revamped_jefferson_starship_se.html|title=Revamped Jefferson Starship sets course for Cleveland, with Paul Kantner at helm|last=Soeder|first=John|work=[[The Plain Dealer]]|publisher=[[Advance Publications]]|date=October 21, 2008|access-date=July 5, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824094341/http://www.cleveland.com/popmusic/index.ssf/2008/10/revamped_jefferson_starship_se.html|archive-date=August 24, 2017|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> in early 2008, and Prince was replaced by the reinstated Baldwin.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.kokomotribune.com/news/entertainment/jefferson-starships-david-freiberg-still-loves-performing-looking-forward-to-friday-show/article_52f976f2-f8bd-11ec-8089-d337af1fa3b9.html |title=Jefferson Starship's David Freiberg still loves performing, looking forward to Friday show |last=Bennett|first=James|work=[[Kokomo Tribune]]|publisher=[[CNHI]]|date=June 30, 2022|access-date=January 15, 2023|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630233939/https://www.kokomotribune.com/news/entertainment/jefferson-starships-david-freiberg-still-loves-performing-looking-forward-to-friday-show/article_52f976f2-f8bd-11ec-8089-d337af1fa3b9.html|archive-date=June 30, 2022| language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In March and May 2008, tracks were recorded for the new studio album released on September 2, 2008, ''[[Jefferson's Tree of Liberty]]''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jeffersonstarshipsf.com/tour.htm|title=Jefferson Starship – Calling all Gypsies|website=Jeffersonstarshipsf.com|access-date=July 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170729100422/http://www.jeffersonstarshipsf.com/tour.htm|archive-date=July 29, 2017|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.jeffersonstarshipsf.com|title=Paul Kantner's Jefferson StarshipTeaching the Computers to Dream|website=Jeffersonstarshipsf.com|access-date=2017-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170630182717/http://www.jeffersonstarshipsf.com/|archive-date=June 30, 2017|url-status=dead|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name=top40>{{cite web |url=http://top40-charts.com/news/Rock/New-Jefferson-Starship-Album-Of-Formative-Folk-Treasures-Jeffersons-Tree-Of-Liberty/42167.html |title=New Jefferson Starship Album Of Formative Folk Treasures: Jefferson's Tree Of Liberty |website=Top40-charts.com |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=August 8, 2008|access-date=February 26, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605045355/http://top40-charts.com/news/Rock/New-Jefferson-Starship-Album-Of-Formative-Folk-Treasures-Jeffersons-Tree-Of-Liberty/42167.html |archive-date=June 5, 2011 |url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In addition to the current members, Grace Slick made contributions to the bonus track on the album, and Marty Balin and Jack Casady appear on a recording originally made for ''Windows of Heaven''.<ref name=top40/>

In July and August 2008, they played a two-part UK tour, including three nights at the [[100 Club]] in London and an appearance at the [[Rhythm Festival]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rhythmfestival.net|title=Rhythm Festival 2008|website=Rhythmfestival.net|access-date=2017-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171221183327/http://www.rhythmfestival.net/|url-status=live|archive-date=December 21, 2017|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In 2009 they toured as part of the [[Heroes of Woodstock tour]] with [[Jeff Pevar]] ([[Jazz Is Dead (band)|Jazz Is Dead]], [[Crosby, Pevar & Raymond]]) on bass. Other musicians included in this tour were [[Canned Heat]], [[Ten Years After]], [[Country Joe McDonald]], [[Tom Constanten]], [[Big Brother and the Holding Company]], [[Melanie Safka|Melanie]], [[John Sebastian]], [[Mountain (band)|Mountain]], [[Quicksilver Messenger Service]] and [[Levon Helm Band]], although not all artists appeared at every show. On July 3, 2009, Jefferson Starship (Kantner, Freiberg, Baldwin, Aguilar, Smith, and Richardson) performed at the Roswell UFO Parade and Festival, along with guest musicians Tom Constanten, Jack Traylor, [[Barry Sless]], plus former band members Pete Sears and Darby Gould.<ref name="SomethingElse">{{Cite web|url=https://somethingelsereviews.com/2012/06/26/new-4-cd-box-focuses-on-jefferson-starships-appearance-at-the-roswell-ufo-festival/ |website=Something Else!|title=New 4-CD box focuses on Jefferson Starship's appearance at the Roswell UFO Festival |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=June 26, 2012|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160730010243/http://somethingelsereviews.com/2012/06/26/new-4-cd-box-focuses-on-jefferson-starships-appearance-at-the-roswell-ufo-festival/|archive-date=July 30, 2016|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="TalesFromTheMothership-AllMusic">{{cite web |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/tales-from-the-mothership-mw0002435571|title=Tales From the Mothership |last=Heaney|first=Gregory|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=February 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170701002024/https://www.allmusic.com/album/tales-from-the-mothership-mw0002435571|archive-date=July 1, 2017|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> A four disc live album of this concert, ''Tales From the Mothership'', was released in November 2012.<ref name="SomethingElse"/><ref name="TalesFromTheMothership-AllMusic"/>

On June 5, 2011, Jefferson Starship (Kantner, Freiberg, Richardson and Smith) performed with the [[Contemporary Youth Orchestra]] at [[Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica]] in [[Cleveland]], Ohio. The show was broadcast live on [[HDNet]] for the HDNet Concert Series.
[[File:Jefferson Starship in Dundalk Heritage Park DSCN1256 (9196430813).jpg|left|thumb|Jefferson Starship in 2012 – l to r: Paul Kantner, Chris Smith, Darby Gould, Donny Baldwin (on drums), David Freiberg and Jude Gold]]
In 2012, longtime guitarist Slick Aguilar departed the band due to falling ill with [[Hepatitis C]], and was replaced by Jude Gold.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://judegold.com/press/jeffersonstarship.html|title=Jude Gold – Press|website=Judegold.com|access-date=2017-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171224205954/http://judegold.com/press/jeffersonstarship.html|archive-date=December 24, 2017|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.tapinto.net/articles/rock-legends-gramm-balin-to-team-for-benefit-con|title=Rock Legends Gramm, Balin to Team for Benefit Concert for Slick Aguilar|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|work=TAPinto|access-date=2017-07-05|url-status=live|language=en-US|date=January 22, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904024939/https://www.tapinto.net/articles/rock-legends-gramm-balin-to-team-for-benefit-con|archive-date=September 4, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref> In November 2015, a new lead vocalist, Rachel Rose, was phased in to replace the departing Cathy Richardson; sharing the stage with one-time Jefferson Starship vocalist Darby Gould until Richardson announced her return to the band in March 2016.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://us11.campaign-archive2.com/?u=1ab38ed7db6035db251c17167&id=084bdbcdf7|title=CRB at City Winery Chicago May 27 ON SALE NOW|access-date=2017-07-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180927031919/https://us11.campaign-archive.com/?u=1ab38ed7db6035db251c17167&id=084bdbcdf7|archive-date=September 27, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="TahoeOnstage">{{Cite web|url=https://www.tahoeonstage.com/reviews/jefferson-starship-review/|website=Tahoe Onstage|title=Jefferson Starship Flight Continues Without Paul Kantner|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=February 20, 2016|access-date=February 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811061352/https://www.tahoeonstage.com/reviews/jefferson-starship-review/|archive-date=August 11, 2020|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The band has featured guest musicians such as Balin, Gould, Gorman, Jeff Pevar, Tony Morley, Richard Newman, and former Jefferson Starship bassist and keyboardist Pete Sears.{{fact|date=September 2022}}

Paul Kantner died from multiple organ failure and [[septic shock]] at the age of 74 on January 28, 2016.<ref name="Paul-Kantner-death">{{cite web |url=http://www.sfgate.com/music/article/Jefferson-Airplane-s-Paul-Kantner-dies-at-74-6791483.php |title=Jefferson Airplane's Paul Kantner dies at 74 |first=Aidin |last=Vaziri |date=January 29, 2016 |work=[[SFGate.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907034557/https://www.sfgate.com/music/article/Jefferson-Airplane-s-Paul-Kantner-dies-at-74-6791483.php|archive-date=September 7, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|access-date=August 26, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Lifton">{{cite web |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/paul-kantner-dies/ |title=Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane Dies at 74 |last=Lifton |first=Dave |work=Ultimate Classic Rock |publisher=[[Loudwire]] |date=January 28, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818114431/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/paul-kantner-dies/ |archive-date=August 18, 2018 |url-status=live |language=en-US |access-date=August 26, 2018 |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Signe Toly Anderson, a member of both the initial Jefferson Airplane lineup and the revived Jefferson Starship in the 1990s, also died on January 28, 2016, at age 74.<ref name="Signe-Toly-Anderson-death">{{cite web |url=https://www.sfgate.com/music/article/Signe-Toly-Anderson-original-singer-for-6797458.php |title=Signe Toly Anderson, original Jefferson Airplane singer, dies |first=Aidin |last=Vaziri |date=February 1, 2016 |work=[[SFGate.com]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907031120/https://www.sfgate.com/music/article/Signe-Toly-Anderson-original-singer-for-6797458.php|archive-date=September 7, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|access-date=August 27, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Signe-Anderson-Death">{{cite web |url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/signe-anderson-dies/ |title=Signe Anderson, Original Jefferson Airplane Singer, Dies |last=Lifton |first=Dave |work=Ultimate Classic Rock |publisher=[[Loudwire]] |date=January 31, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911191845/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/signe-anderson-dies/ |archive-date=September 11, 2018 |url-status=live |language=en-US |access-date=August 27, 2018 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

===2016–present: Post-Kantner era===
[[File:Jefferson_Starship_Plays_for_Service_Members_During_LA_Fleet_Week_2016_(Image_4_of_6).webp|alt=Jefferson_Starship_Plays_for_Service_Members_During_LA_Fleet_Week_2016_(Image_4_of_6)|thumb|Jefferson Starship performing in 2016.]]
Following Paul Kantner's death, the band received the approval of both Kantner's family and Grace Slick to keep performing.<ref name="Rolling-Stone-David-Freiberg" /> Jefferson Starship has continued to tour with a line-up consisting of remaining members David Freiberg (vocals, guitar), Donny Baldwin (drums), Chris Smith (keyboards), Jude Gold (lead guitar), and Cathy Richardson (vocals, guitar). When Jefferson Starship announced the 'Carry the Fire' tour in March 2017, Richardson stated that the band's continuation is a tribute to both Kantner and Grace Slick, and noted that Slick had granted the current members a lifetime license to use the name Jefferson Starship after Kantner's death.<ref name="Carry-the-Fire">{{cite web |url=http://ultimateclassicrock.com/jefferson-starship-tour-2017/ |title=Jefferson Starship Announce 2017 'Carry The Fire' Tour |last=Giles |first=Jeff |work=Ultimate Classic Rock |publisher=[[Loudwire]] |date=March 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180830174150/http://ultimateclassicrock.com/jefferson-starship-tour-2017/|archive-date=August 30, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|access-date=August 28, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In April 2017, former Jefferson Starship member Craig Chaquico filed a lawsuit against the five individual members (Freiberg, Baldwin, Smith, Gold, and Richardson) currently performing as Jefferson Starship for breaching the 1985 contract and for using Chaquico's name and likeness in their promotional materials.<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=http://bestclassicbands.com/craig-chaquico-jefferson-starship-lawsuit-5-4-17/|website=Bestclassicbands.com|title=Jefferson Starship's Craig Chaquico Sues Ex-Bandmates|last=Tamarkin|first=Jeff|date=May 4, 2017|access-date=August 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729012934/https://bestclassicbands.com/craig-chaquico-jefferson-starship-lawsuit-5-4-17/|archive-date=July 29, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> About this, Chaquico has said he had only given permission to Paul Kantner to use the name, and by this point, "Freiberg and Baldwin are performing with others who have no connection to the original group, using the name in violation of that agreement. If any of the members who signed the '85 agreement want to use the name, they need the permission of all the other members who signed the agreement and Freiberg and Baldwin do not have my permission."<ref name="auto" /> On August 11, 2017, U.S. Magistrate Judge Maria-Elena James said the guitarist Craig Chaquico may pursue a breach of contract claim against David Freiberg, Donny Baldwin and the other musicians for performances and merchandising since January 2016, but dismissed Chaquico's claims of earlier alleged contract breaches and a trademark claim over the use of his likeness.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://in.reuters.com/article/music-jefferson-starship-idINKBN1AR29R|title=Jefferson Starship guitarist can pursue lawsuit over band name|last=Stempel|first=Jonathan|date=August 11, 2017|work=Reuters India|access-date=August 12, 2017|language=en-IN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904031430/https://in.reuters.com/article/music-jefferson-starship/jefferson-starship-guitarist-can-pursue-lawsuit-over-band-name-idINKBN1AR29R|archive-date=September 4, 2018|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On August 16, 2018, Judge Maria-Elena James denied Chaquico's motion to strike the counter-claims by the current Jefferson Starship band members of intentional interference to gain a potential economic advantage and defamation.<ref name="Lawsuit-Counter-Claim">{{cite web |url=https://norcalrecord.com/stories/511543336-former-jefferson-starship-guitarist-s-motion-to-strike-counter-claims-denied-in-suit-over-use-of-band-s-name |title=Former Jefferson Starship Guitarist's Motion to Strike Counter-claims Denied in Suit Over Use of Band's Name |last=Sassani |first=William |work=Northern California Record |publisher=The Record Inc. |date=August 24, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180831072208/https://norcalrecord.com/stories/511543336-former-jefferson-starship-guitarist-s-motion-to-strike-counter-claims-denied-in-suit-over-use-of-band-s-name|archive-date=August 31, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|access-date=August 30, 2018 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> The defendants alleged that the plaintiff caused economic harm and attempted to prevent the band from operating by actions such as Chaquico posting statements on his website that they were a "fake band," they created "fake recordings," they were a "lesser cover band," and the members were "lesser artists."<ref name="Lawsuit-Counter-Claim" /> On December 4, 2018, the lawsuit concerning the use of the name Jefferson Starship was dismissed after an undisclosed settlement was reached between Chaquico and the current members of the band.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-jefferson-starship/jefferson-starship-members-settle-lawsuit-over-band-name-idUSKBN1O32IF|title=Jefferson Starship Members Settle Lawsuit Over Band Name|last=Stempel|first=Jonathan|date=December 4, 2018|work=[[Reuters]]|access-date=December 9, 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205154051/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-music-jefferson-starship/jefferson-starship-members-settle-lawsuit-over-band-name-idUSKBN1O32IF|archive-date=December 5, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In July 2018, Jefferson Starship announced plans to release a new album in 2019 that will include their new song "What Are We Waiting For."<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://lebanon-express.com/entertainment/music/jefferson-starship-to-land-at-linn-county-fair-for-concert/article_d0d0074a-3782-5ec8-966c-8a0fd0165150.html|title=Jefferson Starship to land at Linn-County Fair for concert Friday night|last=Fancher|first=Patrick|date=July 19, 2018|work=[[Lebanon Express]]|access-date=July 28, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180904014054/https://lebanon-express.com/entertainment/music/jefferson-starship-to-land-at-linn-county-fair-for-concert/article_d0d0074a-3782-5ec8-966c-8a0fd0165150.html|archive-date=September 4, 2018|publisher=Jeff Precourt|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Marty Balin died on September 27, 2018, at the age of 76.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jefferson-airplane-guitarist-marty-balin-dead-76-730912/|title=Jefferson Airplane Co-Founder Marty Balin Dead at 76|first=Andy|last=Greene|date=September 28, 2018|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=November 1, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930202655/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jefferson-airplane-guitarist-marty-balin-dead-76-730912/|archive-date=September 30, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/sep/30/marty-balin-obituary|title=Marty Balin Obituary|first=Adam |last=Sweeting|date=September 30, 2018|work=[[The Guardian]]|access-date=November 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181003152944/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/sep/30/marty-balin-obituary|archive-date=October 3, 2018|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On February 1, 2019, [[Rhino Entertainment]] acquired the catalogues of Jefferson Starship, Starship, Grace Slick and Hot Tuna for albums released between the years of 1972 and 1991.<ref name="Rhino">{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2019/music/news/jefferson-starship-hot-tuna-reissues-coming-from-rhino-1203126507|title=Jefferson Starship, Hot Tuna Reissues Coming From Rhino|author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->|date=February 1, 2019|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]. |access-date=February 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203115841/https://variety.com/2019/music/news/jefferson-starship-hot-tuna-reissues-coming-from-rhino-1203126507/|archive-date=February 3, 2019|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> On August 21, 2020, Jefferson Starship released the new studio album ''[[Mother of the Sun]]''.<ref name="ABC_News">{{Cite web|url=https://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/8/21/jefferson-starship-taking-part-in-livestream-event-today-coi.html|website=ABCNewsRadioOnline.com|title=Jefferson Starship taking part in livestream event today coinciding with release of new EP|last=Friedlander|first=Matt|date=August 21, 2020|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823213408/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/music-news/2020/8/21/jefferson-starship-taking-part-in-livestream-event-today-coi.html;jsessionid=566864A32BFF7D6D13F447F2978D5B91.v5-web019|archive-date=August 23, 2020|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="RS_MOTS">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jefferson-starship-mother-of-the-sun-1022744/|title=Jefferson Starship Tease 'Mother of the Sun,' Their First Album in 12 Years|first=Claire|last=Shaffer|date=June 30, 2020|magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806124851/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/jefferson-starship-mother-of-the-sun-1022744/|archive-date=August 6, 2020|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> The first single from the album, "It's About Time", was co-written by Jude Gold, Cathy Richardson and former vocalist Grace Slick.<ref name="RS_MOTS"/><ref name="UCR-MOTS">{{cite web|url=https://ultimateclassicrock.com/jefferson-starship-its-about-time/|title=Jefferson Starship Preview new EP With Single "It's About Time"|last=Reed|first=Ryan|work=Ultimate Classic Rock|publisher=[[Loudwire]]|date=July 10, 2020|access-date=August 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200821073950/https://ultimateclassicrock.com/jefferson-starship-its-about-time/|archive-date=August 21, 2020|url-status=live|language=en-US|df=mdy-all}}</ref> ''Mother of the Sun'' features former bassist Pete Sears on three songs, and the album includes both a song written by former singer Marty Balin and a live version of the Jefferson Airplane song "Embryonic Journey".<ref name="ABC_News"/><ref name="UCR-MOTS"/>

In November 2024, Jefferson Starship announced a 50th anniversary tour that will run from Feb. 11 to May 3, 2025.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.jeffersonstarship.com/tour | title=TOUR }}</ref>

==Members==
{{main|List of Jefferson Starship members}}
'''Current members'''
*[[David Freiberg]] – [[Singing|vocals]], [[acoustic guitar]]<ref name="LA_Times">{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-et-jefferson-starship-20180719-story.html|title=Jefferson Starship books a psychedelic rock trip to the OC Fair|author=Michael Rydzynski|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=March 3, 2024|url-status=live|language=en-US|date=July 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180811064908/http://www.latimes.com/socal/daily-pilot/news/tn-dpt-et-jefferson-starship-20180719-story.html|archive-date=August 11, 2018|df=mdy-all}}</ref> (1974–1984, 2005–present)
*[[Donny Baldwin]] – [[Drum kit|drums]], [[Percussion instrument|percussion]], [[Backing vocalist|backing vocals]] (1982–1984, 2008–present)
*Chris Smith – [[Keyboard instrument|keyboard]]s, [[Bass guitar|bass]] (1998–present)
*[[Cathy Richardson]] – vocals, [[rhythm guitar]] (2008–2015, 2016–present)
*[[Jude Gold]] – [[lead guitar]], backing vocals (2012–present)

==Discography==
{{Main|Jefferson Starship discography}}
*''[[Dragon Fly (album)|Dragon Fly]]'' (1974)
*''[[Red Octopus]]'' (1975)
*''[[Spitfire (Jefferson Starship album)|Spitfire]]'' (1976)
*''[[Earth (Jefferson Starship album)|Earth]]'' (1978)
*''[[Freedom at Point Zero]]'' (1979)
*''[[Modern Times (Jefferson Starship album)|Modern Times]]'' (1981)
*''[[Winds of Change (Jefferson Starship album)|Winds of Change]]'' (1982)
*''[[Nuclear Furniture]]'' (1984)
*''[[Windows of Heaven]]'' (1998)
*''[[Jefferson's Tree of Liberty]]'' (2008)
*''[[Mother of the Sun]]'' (2020)

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
*[http://www.jeffersonstarship.com/ Official Jefferson Starship web site]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20170630182717/http://www.jeffersonstarshipsf.com/ Old official site]
*[https://archive.org/details/JeffersonStarship Jefferson Starship collection] at the [[Internet Archive]]'s live music archive

{{Jefferson Airplane}}
{{Paul Kantner}}
{{Grace Slick}}
{{Marty Balin}}
{{Papa John Creach}}
{{Craig Chaquico}} 
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1970 establishments in California]]
[[Category:1984 disestablishments in California]]
[[Category:American musical sextets]]
[[Category:American musical septets]]
[[Category:American pop rock music groups]]
[[Category:1992 establishments in California]]
[[Category:Rock music groups from California]]
[[Category:American soft rock music groups]]
[[Category:Epic Records artists]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1970]]
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[[Category:Musical groups from San Francisco]]
[[Category:Musical groups reestablished in 1992]]
[[Category:Musical quintets from California]]
[[Category:RCA Records artists]]
[[Category:Jefferson Airplane]]
[[Category:Jefferson Starship| ]]
[[Category:Mixed-gender musical sextets]]
[[Category:Mixed-gender musical septets]]