Marty Balin was the lead singer, guitarist and co-founder of Jefferson Airplane. The US musician became involved in the psychedelic rock group during the 1960s. According to his representative and family, Balin has passed away at the age of 76. No cause of death has been reported.

As reported by the BBC, Balin's real name was Martyn Jerel Buchwald and he helped the group, based in San Francisco, to produce several well-remembered hits, including “White Rabbit.” That song was also played live by Jefferson Airplane at Woodstock.

While Balin left Jefferson Airplane in 1970, he later rejoined with some of the group’s members forming the group Jefferson Starship.

In 1996, Balin was inducted in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In 2016, the musician also received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Balin was one of the ‘greatest voices of all time’

Loudersound.com reports that Ryan Romenesko, Balin’s representative, confirmed his death in a statement on Friday, saying he had passed away Thursday this week with his wife Susan Joy Balin, by his side.

Balin’s family made a statement on Friday to announce his passing.

They said that the late musician’s fans had said he had a “substantial impact” for bettering the world. They described him as a writer of songs that people will never forget, adding that he was the founder of the quintessential band of the sixties in San Francisco.

Jefferson Starship posted a tribute to Balin on their Facebook page, saying they had learned of his death “with heavy hearts.” The band said Balin was a true talent and had been an inspiration to many while sending their deepest condolences to his family and friends.

They ended their message by saying the musician’s love songs would live forever.

Jefferson Airplane also paid tribute to Balin on their Twitter page, saying they had "lost a true legend." Their caption said Balin has helped to start a revolution that continues today and that he would be "greatly missed."

Birth of Jefferson Airplane

Balin was originally a folk artist, but the British invasion, led by the Beatles, changed all that.

In 1965, he decided to form a rock group in response. The band soon attracted a following In San Francisco. They headlined at the legendary Fillmore Auditorium when it was opened by promoter Bill Graham.

The band was signed up with RCA records for what was then the huge sum of $25,000. Jefferson Airplane then went on to earn five gold albums in the USA. Among these were their 1967 album “Surrealistic Pillow” and their 1968 album “Crown of Creation.”

The BBC reports that another co-founder of the group, Paul Kantner, died in 2016 at the age of 75.
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