Marty Balin died yesterday, age 76, at his home in Tampa Florida. The cause of death was not announced.
You may recall Marty, he was the founder, chief writer, male vocalist and leader of Jefferson Airplane–at least, until Grace Slick showed up in 1966 and the band took off–literally.
Critics accused him of merely being Slick’s backup singer, but his role was much more crucial than that. His clear tenor and her husky contralto blended magnificently, sometimes with them swapping the high and low registers; it was impossible to tell who was singing lead and harmony if you just listened to the music. And in spite of the abundant talent on stage in their performances, particularly guitarists Kantner and Kaukonnen, it was only Marty who could really keep up with Amazing Grace.
I met the man once, a few years ago he was playing at Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa, and I dropped in to catch his show while on a visit to my home town. He was in the parking lot, leaning against a wall, having a smoke when I turned a corner and practically stumbled over him.
You may know how it is when you meet a celebrity, particularly one you admire. You want to say something clever and profound, to have a cosmic chat with the Great Man, one both you and he will remember forever. It never actually happens that way, does it? Its always a bit more awkward. All I could do was stare at him like a fool, extend my right hand, and say something lame like “How do you do, Marty, I’ve enjoyed your work very much.” He shook my hand and said something like “Thank you. I appreciate that.”
I couldn’t think of anything else to say, so I moved on.
Grace had the face of a goddess, and the voice of an angel, but I noticed you, too, Marty. Rest in Peace, brother.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9CVLVevm4E