In the heart of the 1960s counterculture movement, a voice emerged that would become synonymous with the psychedelic rock era. This is the story of Grace Slick, the queen of acid rock.
Early Life and Diverse Upbringing
Grace Barnett Wing was born on October 30, 1939, in Highland Park, Illinois. As a child, Grace’s family moved often due to her father’s job, providing her a diverse upbringing that spanned from Palo Alto to New York City. She attended prestigious schools like Castilleja School in Palo Alto, Finch College in New York City, and the University of Miami, always standing out with her striking beauty and rebellious spirit. Her varied upbringing exposed her to different cultures and environments, fostering a sense of independence and curiosity that would later shape her musical career.
Meeting Jerry Slick and Forming The Great Society
In the early 1960s, Grace met Jerry Slick, a cinematographer and filmmaker, through mutual friends in the San Francisco Bay Area. Grace was working as a model at the time. Their shared passion for the arts quickly brought them together, and they married in 1961. Their unique bond, combining Grace’s modeling and Jerry’s film background, laid the foundation for their future endeavors in music.
By 1965, the couple decided to move to San Francisco to be part of the burgeoning music scene. They formed The Great Society, a band that quickly became a staple in the San Francisco psychedelic scene. It was with this band that Grace penned the now-iconic song “White Rabbit,” inspired by Lewis Carroll’s ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.’ Legend has it that she wrote the entire song in just one hour after an acid trip. The lyrics and hypnotic rhythm perfectly captured the surreal, mind-expanding experiences of the era.
Joining Jefferson Airplane
In October 1966, Grace attended a Jefferson Airplane concert at the Avalon Ballroom in San Francisco. After the show, Jack Casady, the band’s bass player, approached Grace and asked her what she thought about singing with Jefferson Airplane. Grace, trying to stay cool, responded, “Yeah, that might work.” This chance encounter marked the beginning of her journey with Jefferson Airplane. She officially joined the band shortly after, just as her marriage to Jerry Slick was falling apart and she was ready to pursue music full-time.
With her commanding presence and powerful vocals, Grace helped the band reach new heights. Their 1967 album ‘Surrealistic Pillow’ featured hits like “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love,” propelling them to the forefront of the counterculture movement. One unforgettable performance was at the Monterey Pop Festival, where Grace’s electrifying rendition of “White Rabbit” mesmerized the audience.
The Success of Jefferson Starship
After Jefferson Airplane disbanded in 1972, Paul Kantner and Grace Slick formed Jefferson Starship in 1974. The band initially enjoyed considerable success, releasing several gold and platinum-selling albums with hits like “Miracles,” “With Your Love,” and “Jane.” Despite internal conflicts and lineup changes, Jefferson Starship continued to impact the rock scene. Grace left the band in 1978, only to return in 1981. However, by 1984, Paul Kantner decided to leave and took legal action over the use of the name “Jefferson Starship.” The remaining members continued under the name Starship.
Transition to Starship and Mainstream Success
With the new name Starship, the band shifted towards a more mainstream, radio-friendly sound. This transition led to their chart-topping success with hits like “We Built This City” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” A memorable moment during this period was when Grace, known for her unfiltered and candid personality, famously declared, “I don’t think I’d like to change anything I’ve done. If I did, I wouldn’t be where I am now.”
Transition to Visual Art
In 1990, Grace retired from music and embraced a new passion—painting. Her artwork, often reflecting themes of nature and surrealism, has garnered acclaim, showcasing her creative spirit in a different light. Grace once said, “I had an artistic sense as a child but didn’t have the right teachers or influences.” Her transition to visual art allowed her to reconnect with this early passion.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
In 1996, Grace Slick was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Jefferson Airplane. Although she did not attend the ceremony, her contributions were honored in her absence, recognizing her integral role in the band’s success. Her songs, “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love,” both featured on their breakthrough album ‘Surrealistic Pillow,’ played a significant role in the band’s rise to fame and left an indelible mark on rock music.
Celebrating Grace Slick Today
As of October 30, 2024, Grace Slick is still with us, celebrating her 85th birthday. She continues to be celebrated for her rock and roll contributions and vibrant personality. Grace has embraced her passion for painting, and her artwork has been well-received. Here’s wishing Grace continued happiness and creative fulfillment. This is the story of Grace Slick—a true icon of rock and roll.
