Jefferson Airplane’s original singer Signe Anderson died on January 28, 2016, the same day as the band’s founding member Paul Kantner.
Anderson was a jazz singer in San Francisco when she joined Jefferson Airplane and sang on the band’s debut album ‘Jefferson Airplane Takes Off’. The album was recorded in December 1865 and released in August 1966. However one month before the album came out Anderson announced she was quitting the band to have a baby. Her last show with the band on October 15, 1966 was released as a live album in 2010.
Grace Slick joined the band for her first gig the following night.
After leaving Jefferson Airplane Anderson sang with Oregon band Carl Smith and the Natural Gas Company for nine-years.
In a statement original Jefferson Starship member Marty Balin said, “One sweet Lady has passed on. I imagine that she and Paul woke up in heaven and said “Hey what are you doing here? Let’s start a band” and no sooner then said Spencer was there joining in!” Heartfelt thoughts to all their family and loved ones.”
Jack Casady also posted, “I was just informed of the passing of Signe Anderson, the same day as we lost Paul. Signe was our, Jefferson Airplane’s first female singer. I had been in touch with Signe this past week as she had moved from her home to hospice care. She was a real sweetheart with a terrific contralto voice coming from a solid folk background. Listen to how she made the three part harmonies of JA Takes Off (first album) sound so thick…her wonderful tone between Paul’s and Marty’s.
A sad day …..for those of us still here.
RIP Signe”.
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