Marty Balin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Marty Balin
Balin in a live performance, 2011
Background information
Birth name	Martyn Jerel Buchwald
Born	(1942-01-30)January 30, 1942 Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S.
Died	September 27, 2018(2018-09-27) (aged 76) Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Genres	Psychedelic rock, folk rock, pop rock, soft rock, acid rock
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer-songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, guitar, bass guitar
Years active	1962–2018
Labels	Challenge, EMI, RCA Victor, Grunt Records, GWE
Associated acts	Jefferson Airplane, KBC Band, Jefferson Starship, Bodacious D.F.

Balin performing at a concert in Hallandale, Florida

Martyn Jerel Buchwald (January 30, 1942 – September 27, 2018), known as Marty Balin, was an American singer, songwriter, and musician. He is best known as a founder and lead singer of the famous bands Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship.

Early Life and Beginnings

Marty Balin was born Martyn Jerel Buchwald in Cincinnati, Ohio. His parents were Catherine Eugenia "Jean" and Joseph Buchwald. His grandparents came from Eastern Europe.

Marty went to Washington High School in San Francisco, California. As a child, he was diagnosed with autism.

Musical Journey

Starting Out in Music

In 1962, Martyn Buchwald changed his name to Marty Balin. He began recording music with Challenge Records. He released his first songs, "Nobody But You" and "I Specialize in Love." By 1964, Marty was the leader of a folk music group called The Town Criers.

Founding Jefferson Airplane

Marty Balin was the main person who started the band Jefferson Airplane. He even opened a club called The Matrix where the band began. From 1965 to 1971, he was one of the lead singers and songwriters for the group.

Marty often wrote romantic, pop-style songs for the band. Some of his most famous songs include "Comin' Back to Me" and "Today." He also co-wrote the hit song "Volunteers" in 1969.

Marty Balin performed with Jefferson Airplane at two very famous music festivals: the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and the Woodstock Festival in 1969.

In December 1969, during the Altamont Free Concert, Marty was involved in an incident where he was knocked unconscious. This event was shown in the 1970 movie Gimme Shelter. In April 1971, Marty decided to leave Jefferson Airplane.

After leaving, Marty stayed active in the San Francisco music scene. He managed and produced an album for a band called Grootna. He also joined a hard rock band called Bodacious DF for their first album in 1973.

The next year, Paul Kantner, another member of Jefferson Airplane, asked Marty to write a song for his new band, Jefferson Starship. They wrote a song called "Caroline," and Marty sang the lead vocals on it.

Joining Jefferson Starship

In 1975, Marty Balin officially joined Jefferson Starship. Over the next three years, he sang lead on four songs that became top-20 hits. These included "Miracles" (which he wrote), "With Your Love," "Count on Me," and "Runaway."

Marty left Jefferson Starship in October 1978.

Solo Career and Reunions

In 1979, Marty Balin created a rock opera called Rock Justice. It was about a rock star who faced problems with his record company.

Marty continued his music career as a solo artist. In 1981, he released his first solo album, Balin. This album featured two songs that became top-40 hits: "Hearts" and "Atlanta Lady (Something About Your Love)." He released another solo album, Lucky, in 1983.

In 1985, Marty teamed up with other former Jefferson Airplane members, Paul Kantner and Jack Casady, to form the KBC Band. Later, in 1989, Jefferson Airplane reunited for an album and a tour.

Marty kept recording solo albums in the years that followed. He also reunited with Paul Kantner in a later version of Jefferson Starship.

In 2007, a music company called Bicycle Music, Inc. bought the rights to many of Marty's songs. This included his hits from Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship.

Awards and Recognition

Marty Balin and the other members of Jefferson Airplane were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996. This is a very special honor for musicians.

As a member of Jefferson Airplane, he also received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016. This award celebrates artists who have made important contributions to music over their careers.

Personal Life

Marty Balin loved to paint throughout his life. He painted many famous musicians from the 20th century. He had a special gallery in Saint Augustine, Florida, where his paintings were shown.

Marty lived in Florida and San Francisco with his wife, Susan Joy Balin. He had daughters named Jennifer Edwards and Delaney Balin.

In March 2016, while on tour, Marty had to go to the hospital for chest pains. He had open-heart surgery. Afterward, he faced health challenges and complications during his recovery.

Death

Marty Balin passed away at his home in Tampa on September 27, 2018. He was 76 years old.

Discography

Solo Singles (Selected)

See also

In Spanish: Marty Balin para niños