Marty Balin, cofounder of Jefferson Airplane and ex-member of Jefferson Starship, dead at 76

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      American rock vocalist Marty Balin, former member of '60s psychedelic-rock band Jefferson Airplane and its offshoot, Jefferson Starship, has died at the age of 76. The cause of death is currently unknown.

      The news of Balin's passing was shared on his Facebook page.

      "Marty had a historic career as Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and platinum and gold solo artist," reads the statement. "Balin also enjoyed painting all his life. He painted vibrant, large-scale portraits of many of the most influential musicians and good friends Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison, and Jerry Garcia, to name a few."

      Jefferson Airplane, formed in San Francisco in 1965, is best known for hits such as "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit". Other band members included singer Grace Slick, lead guitarist Jorma Kaukonen, rhythm guitarist-vocalist Paul Kantner, bassist Jack Casady, and drummer Spencer Dryden.

      After Jefferson Airplane broke up, Balin enjoyed more success with the offshoot Jefferson Starship, which had hit singles in the mid-'70s such as "Count on Me" and "Miracles", which Balin wrote and sang.

      Balin is survived by his wife, Susan Joy Balin, daughters Jennifer Edwards and Delaney Balin, and stepdaughters Rebekah Geier and Moriah Geier. 

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