Who Is Marty Balin? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Marty Balin, born on January 30, 1942, was a prominent figure in the American rock scene with a musical career that spanned several decades. He is best known as one of the founding members of the iconic band Jefferson Airplane and later, Jefferson Starship. His unique voice and songwriting skills contributed to hits like "Somebody to Love" and "Miracles." Tragically, Marty passed away in September 2018, but his impact on music continues to resonate.
As of 2025, we would have celebrated what would have been his 83rd birthday. His legacy remains influential, inspiring new generations of musicians across various genres.
| Occupation | Rock Singer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1942 |
| Age | 76 Years |
| Birth Place | Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 September, 2018 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Marty Balin's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Marty Balin stood at an impressive height of approximately 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm) and weighed around 170 pounds (77 kg) during his active years. His appealing looks and charismatic stage presence added to his allure as a rock star. While specific measurements from his peak are not publicly available, he embodied the classic rock-and-roll aesthetic of his time.
Balin continued with EMI as a solo artist and in 1981, he released his first solo album, Balin, featuring two Jesse Barish songs that became top-40 hits, "Hearts" (#8) and "Atlanta Lady (Something About Your Love)" (#27). In 1983, Balin released a second solo album, Lucky, along with a Japan-only EP produced by EMI called There's No Shoulder. Balin's contract with EMI ended shortly thereafter.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Marty Balin was known to have had several relationships throughout his life. He was married three times: to his first wife, who he married in the 1960s, and subsequently to a pair of women before he passed away. Throughout his life, Balin kept his family private, but he had a close bond with them, often expressing his love for his children and grandchildren in interviews.
In 2025, his personal life is a captivating testament to his complex and passionate nature as an artist. Although his romantic relationships span decades, his focus remained primarily on music until the end of his life.
His paternal grandparents emigrated from Eastern Europe. His father was Jewish and his mother was Episcopalian. Buchwald attended Washington High School in San Francisco, California. As a child, Balin was diagnosed with autism.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing, Marty Balin's estimated net worth was around $5 million. His income primarily came from his successful music career, including album sales, tours, and royalties from his hit songs. While exact figures for 2025 are speculative, Balin's contributions to popular music have ensured that his legacy continues to generate income through royalties and the continued popularity of his recordings.
Career, Business, and Investments
Marty Balin's career took off in the mid-1960s with the formation of Jefferson Airplane, which played a pivotal role in the San Francisco music scene. Following his tenure with the band, he found great success with Jefferson Starship, contributing to several hit albums in the late 1970s and 1980s. His solo career also featured distinct musical explorations, showcasing his versatility as an artist.
In addition to music, Balin had interests in various business ventures, including a few investments in art and real estate. His artistic vision transcended music, as he was passionate about painting and had several exhibitions throughout his life. His entrepreneurial spirit allowed him to diversify his income streams and leave a mark beyond the music industry.
Balin was the primary founder of Jefferson Airplane, which he "launched" from a restaurant-turned-club he created and named The Matrix, and was also one of its lead vocalists and songwriters from 1965 to 1971. Balin was one of four Jewish members of the band, including bass player Jack Casady, drummer Spencer Dryden and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen.
In the group's 1966–1971 iteration, Balin served as co-lead vocalist alongside Grace Slick. Balin's songwriting output diminished after Surrealistic Pillow (1967) as Slick, Paul Kantner, and Kaukonen matured as songwriters, a process compounded by personality clashes.
Balin's most enduring songwriting contributions were often imbued with a romantic, pop-oriented lilt that was atypical of the band's characteristic forays into psychedelic rock.
Among Balin's most notable songs were "Comin' Back to Me" (a folk rock ballad later covered by Ritchie Havens and Rickie Lee Jones), "Today" (a collaboration with Kantner initially written on spec for Tony Bennett that was prominently covered by Tom Scott), and, again with Kantner, the topical 1969 top-100 hit "Volunteers".
Although uncharacteristic of his oeuvre, the uptempo "3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds" and "Plastic Fantastic Lover" (both written for Surrealistic Pillow) remained integral components of the Airplane's live set throughout the late 1960s.
Social Network
Marty Balin was a beloved figure among fans and fellow musicians, and his legacy continues to thrive online through various social media platforms and fan pages. Though he may not have been active on social networks during his lifetime, his legacy lives on in Facebook groups, tribute pages, and various platforms dedicated to celebrating his life and music.
His fans regularly share their memories and experiences related to Balin’s work, helping to maintain his influence in modern music culture. The online community remains vibrant, honoring his contributions to rock music.
"I don't know, just Janis's death. That struck me. It was dark times. Everybody was doing so much drugs and I couldn't even talk to the band. I was into yoga at the time. I'd given up drinking and I was into totally different area, health foods and getting back to the streets, working with the American Indians. It was getting strange for me.
Cocaine was a big deal in those days and I wasn't a cokie and I couldn't talk with everybody who had an answer for every goddamn thing, rationalizing everything that happened. I thought it made the music really tight and constrictive and ruined it.
So after Janis died, I thought, I'm not gonna go onstage and play that kind of music; I don't like cocaine."
Education
Marty Balin's educational background reflects a blend of early interests in music and art. He attended high school in San Francisco and was actively involved in local music scenes during those formative years. While not formally trained in music, his natural talent and passion for songwriting and performing shaped his unique style. Balin’s experience and exposure to influential artists during his youth contributed significantly to his development as a musician.
In conclusion, though Marty Balin may no longer be with us, his legacy as a pioneering force in rock music endures. As we look towards 2025 and beyond, we remember the impact he had on music, culture, and the lives of fans around the world.
