Marty Balin Net Worth

What was Marty Balin's net worth?

Marty Balin was an American singer, songwriter, and musician who had a net worth of $20 million at the time of his death in 2018. Marty Balin was best known for being the founder and one of the lead singers of the bands Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship.

Jefferson Airplane formed in 1965 and released their debut studio album, "Jefferson Airplane Takes Off," in 1966. Around the same time, Balin and some friends converted a pizza place in San Francisco into a club which they called The Matrix. This venue served as a home for many up-and-coming musicians who would eventually gain worldwide success. Jefferson's second album, "Surrealistic Pillow," which featured new member Grace Slick, reached #3 on the Billboard 200 chart. Though the album catapulted the band to international fame, Balin became frustrated that Slick received more attention and was perceived as the band's leader. Jefferson Starship formed in 1974 and released their debut studio album "Dragon Fly" that same year. Their second album, "Red Octopus," reached #1 on the Billboard 200, and Balin's song "Miracles" became a massive hit.

As a solo artist, he released the album "Balin" in 1981, followed by several others. His single "Hearts" reached #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #9 on the Adult Contemporary chart. In addition to his music career, Balin was also a painter who created portraits of influential musicians. He passed away on September 27, 2018, at the age of 76 at his home in Tampa, Florida. He was married twice and had three children.

Early Life

Marty Balin was born Martyn Jerel Buchwald on January 30, 1942, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and raised in San Francisco, California. From a young age, he displayed a strong interest in music and art. He initially pursued painting and even studied at the San Francisco Art Institute before turning his focus to singing and songwriting. By the early 1960s, he had released a handful of solo recordings and performed with local folk and rock groups, laying the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking career.

Jefferson Airplane

In 1965, Balin co-founded Jefferson Airplane, a group that would soon become one of the defining bands of the 1960s counterculture movement. He was instrumental in assembling the lineup, bringing together Paul Kantner, Grace Slick, Jorma Kaukonen, and Jack Casady.

The band quickly gained a following in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury scene, playing iconic venues such as the Fillmore Auditorium and Monterey Pop Festival. Their 1967 album "Surrealistic Pillow" became a cornerstone of psychedelic rock, featuring hits like "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit." Although Grace Slick became the face of the group, Balin's ballads like "Today" and "Comin' Back to Me" showcased his soulful tenor and added depth to the band's repertoire.

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Jefferson Starship

After tensions within Jefferson Airplane led to his departure in 1971, Balin rejoined his bandmates in a new project: Jefferson Starship. The band took on a more radio-friendly rock sound and enjoyed significant commercial success in the 1970s. Balin's standout contribution was the song "Miracles," a tender ballad from the 1975 album "Red Octopus," which reached No. 3 on the Billboard charts and became one of the band's signature hits.

Solo Career

In the 1980s, Balin embarked on a solo career. His 1981 album "Balin" produced the hit singles "Hearts" and "Atlanta Lady," both of which climbed the charts and solidified his reputation as a versatile artist capable of crossing genres. He released additional solo albums throughout the decade and into the 1990s, maintaining a loyal fan base even as musical trends shifted.

Other Ventures and Art

Beyond music, Balin was also a visual artist. He painted portraits of fellow musicians and cultural figures, merging his two lifelong passions of art and music. His work reflected the same soulful quality that defined his singing, offering another outlet for his creativity.

Personal Life

Balin was married twice during his life. He had three children and maintained close ties to his family even as he continued touring and performing well into his later years. In 1996, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Jefferson Airplane.

Death and Legacy

Marty Balin died on September 27, 2018, at the age of 76 in Tampa, Florida. His passing marked the loss of one of the voices that helped define the San Francisco Sound and the broader counterculture era.

Balin's legacy rests not only on his role in Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship but also on his ability to write and perform music that blended rock with soul and heartfelt emotion. His songs remain touchstones of their era, and his voice continues to be celebrated as one of the most distinctive of the psychedelic rock movement.

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