Jefferson Starship Biography

Paul Kantner who is the founding member of Jefferson Airplane created Jefferson Starship. Past and present members of Jefferson Starship have been exploring the mysteries of music for more than 1000 years. Kantner believed that a combination of powerful talents, personalities and creative forces could birth something great. Jefferson Starship released twenty hit singles, eight gold and platinum selling albums, sold out concerts worldwide, enjoyed the fun that came with legendary rock and roll status and all these happened between 1974 and 1984. Today's Jefferson Starship remains devoted to creating new sounds inspired by the Jefferson legacy while staying true its originality on and off stage. The band played a series of free concerts for America's Veterans in 2014 to 2015 and the US Department of Defense honored them with a Certificate of Appreciation. Another Fillmore- era San Francisco band called Quicksilver Messenger Service was created by Co- founder David Freiberg who often shared the bill with Jefferson Airplane and Grateful Dead. David is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, world class singer and a member of Jefferson Airplane, and co- wrote “Jane” one of Jefferson Starship’s all-time biggest hits which he sings. David is the band's guru and Buddha. Donny Baldwin grew up in San Francisco and became part of the San Francisco music scene in the early 70s. Donny was with the Elvin Bishop Band from 1973 to 1978. He toured and recorded six albums during this time which included the #1 hit single, “Fooled Around and Fell In Love”. From 1981 to 1989, Donny was a member of Jefferson Starship and he joined the Jerry Garcia Band in January 1994. He has toured and recorded with other artists like Ronnie Montrose, Greg Allman, Heart, Lydia Pense & Cold Blood, .38 Special, Eddie Money, Kenny Loggins, Pablo Cruise, Chuck Berry and Van Morrison. In 2008, Donny came back to Jefferson Starship. His super high harmonies and his driving, rock solid grooves are the backbone of the sound of band. Also in 2008, Cathy Richardson joined Jefferson Starship and broadcasts the historic role made famous by Grace Slick. Her professional credits include creating her own bands namely Nelson Street Revival, CRB and Macrodots as well as producing and releasing seven independent albums. For the Art Direction of Cathy Richardson Band’s 2003 release, “The Road to Bliss, she was nominated for a GRAMMY Award. She played the role of Janis Joplin In the original Off Broadway cast of “Love, Janis” and also in Tucson, NY, Chicago, Sag Harbor, NY, San Francisco and Phoenix and toured the US as the lead singer of Big Brother and the Holding Co. which was Janis' original band. Recently, Cathy released a download-only song titled What I Am which is available on iTunes. In 1998, Chris Smith joined Jefferson Starship as keyboardist after touring with Lou Bega and the Supremes. He grew up in the suburbs of Connecticut. Chris' film and television music has been listened to on many shows including the the Academy Awards telecast and the #1 rated series “CSI.” He attempted the impossible task of playing (synth) bass and the piano together in 2000. In the history of the band, Chris has been a keyboardist longer than anyone. He currently lives in Los Angeles. Jude Gold who is the lead guitarist of the band came in for a 10 country, three months international tour after Slick Aguilar dropped out of the tour to deal with a life threatening illness. He continues to this day to entertain fans with his awesomeness. Jude's innovative way of playing the guitar takes the Jefferson music to new heights. He has also toured with contemporary stars like Stu Hamm, JGB and Miguel Migs. He's also the host of the podcast, No Guitar is Safe, a Los Angeles Editor at Guitar Player Magazine and as instructor at Musician’s Institute.

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