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Jefferson Airplane

Live Performances by Jefferson Airplane in 1968

  • In January 1968, when the live recording referenced took place at RCA Studio, Jefferson Airplane was at a pivotal point in their career, following the... Read Full Description >

    In January 1968, when the live recording referenced took place at RCA Studio, Jefferson Airplane was at a pivotal point in their career, following the release of their groundbreaking album "Surrealistic Pillow" in 1967, which had propelled them into the spotlight of the counterculture movement. Notably, this was the period when the band was solidifying their status as a leading figure in the psychedelic rock scene. The band's unique sound, characterized by Grace Slick's haunting vocals and the dynamic guitar work of Jorma Kaukonen and Paul Kantner, helped pave the way for the era's musical evolution. During this era, they were also preparing their follow-up album, "After Bathing at Baxter's," which would further establish their experimental edge. The performance captured in the video showcases their creative synergy at a time when they were becoming increasingly influential in both music and culture.

  • In early 1968, Jefferson Airplane was transitioning into a pivotal moment in their career, marked by the release of their album "Crown of Creation," w... Read Full Description >

    In early 1968, Jefferson Airplane was transitioning into a pivotal moment in their career, marked by the release of their album "Crown of Creation," which came out just a few months prior to the January 1 live performance of "Lather." This album showcased the band's unique blend of psychedelic rock and folk, and "Lather" exemplified their exploration of intricate songwriting, with Grace Slick's distinct vocals highlighting the piece. The performance captured in the video reflects the band's growing prominence in the counterculture movement of the late 1960s, following their earlier success with albums like "Surrealistic Pillow." Notably, Jefferson Airplane was among the first bands to achieve fame in the burgeoning San Francisco music scene, and their live performances, such as this one, were key in establishing their reputation as a leading force in psychedelic rock.

  • In May 1968, when Jefferson Airplane performed "If You Feel Like China Breaking" live in Hamburg, they were at a significant crossroads in their caree... Read Full Description >

    In May 1968, when Jefferson Airplane performed "If You Feel Like China Breaking" live in Hamburg, they were at a significant crossroads in their career. The band had just released their iconic album "Surrealistic Pillow" in 1967, which propelled them to fame with hits like "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit." The live recording captures the intensity and burgeoning creativity of the band during a period marked by the height of the psychedelic rock movement. Interestingly, this performance took place near the time when they were recording their follow-up album, "Crown of Creation," which would be released later that year. The Hamburg concert highlighted not just their musical prowess but also their engagement with the zeitgeist of the late 1960s, showcasing their ability to connect with audiences amid a rapidly changing cultural scene.

Jefferson Airplane Performs 'Crown Of Creation' on The Ed Sullivan Show

The Ed Sullivan Show
New York, NY, United States

September 29, 1968 | Video Length: 2:51
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  • On September 29, 1968, Jefferson Airplane performed "Crown of Creation" on The Ed Sullivan Show, marking a significant moment in their career during a... Read Full Description >

    On September 29, 1968, Jefferson Airplane performed "Crown of Creation" on The Ed Sullivan Show, marking a significant moment in their career during a period of rapid ascent in the music industry. This performance coincided with the release of their album *Crown of Creation*, which had come out just weeks prior on September 24, 1968. The album showcased the band's distinctive blend of psychedelic rock and social commentary, solidifying their place in the counterculture movement of the 1960s. The Ed Sullivan Show appearance helped introduce the band to a broader audience and emphasized their appeal during a time when they were gaining traction both commercially and critically. Notably, the song itself reflects themes of individuality and the struggles of society, resonating with the political climate of the era.