finetune artist: Grace Slick

b. Grace Barnett Wing, 30 October 1939, Evanston, Illinois, USA. A former fashion model, Grace Slick began a career in music by contributing recorder and piano soundtracks to husband Jerry's films. This experience was later enhanced by an interest in the nascent San Francisco rock scene and in August 1965 the couple formed the Great Society. This short-lived group combined melodic and experimental styles, but Grace quickly tired of their endearing amateurism, and joined Jefferson Airplane the following year, taking two renowned songs, "Somebody To Love" and "White Rabbit" with her. Slick's powerful, distinctive voice established her as the unit's focal point, as well as one of the era's best-known figures. Now separated from her husband, Slick began a personal and professional relationship with band guitarist Paul Kantner. Together they recorded Blows Against The Empire (1970 - credited to Kantner), Sunfighter (1971) and Baron Von Tollbooth And The Chrome Nun (1973) which many commentators feel superior to concurrent Jefferson Airplane releases. Indeed commitment to such projects may have undermined the parent group, although Manhole, Slick's experimental solo debut, boasted a largely idiosyncratic content. Dour and self-indulgent, the set's disappointments were deflected by the formation of Jefferson Starship whom Slick fronted until 1978 when alcohol-related problems resulted in her departure.

Listen to Grace Slick at Finetune.

Sunrise