Check out these new and used Jefferson Airplane vinyl records LPs for sale. We recommend starting your Jefferson Airplane vinyl collection with the essential albums Jefferson Airplane Takes Off, Surrealistic Pillow and After Bathing At Baxter’s. Our inventory is always changing, so check back often, or browse our list of vinyl records for sale from rock musicians.

Jefferson Airplane: Soaring Through the Psychedelic Skies

Taking Off in the Psychedelic Era (1965-1966)

Formation and Debut: “Jefferson Airplane Takes Off” (1966)

• Key Tracks: “Blues from an Airplane,” “It’s No Secret,” “Come Up the Years”
• Setting the Stage: Jefferson Airplane’s debut album, “Jefferson Airplane Takes Off,” introduced their folk-rock sound. Signaling the emergence of the psychedelic era, the album laid the foundation for the band’s iconic journey.

Grace Slick Joins the Flight (1966)

Grace Slick’s arrival as the lead vocalist marked a turning point for the band. Her powerful vocals and stage presence became synonymous with Jefferson Airplane’s identity.

Charting New Territories with “Surrealistic Pillow” (1967-1968)

Psychedelic Breakthrough: “Surrealistic Pillow” (1967)

• Key Tracks: “Somebody to Love,” “White Rabbit,” “Today”
• Anthems of a Generation: “Surrealistic Pillow” catapulted Jefferson Airplane to mainstream success. The album featured hits like “Somebody to Love” and “White Rabbit,” becoming anthems of the counterculture movement.

Monterey Pop Festival (1967)

Jefferson Airplane’s electrifying performance at the Monterey Pop Festival solidified their status as a leading force in the psychedelic rock scene.

Experimental Explorations: “After Bathing at Baxter’s” (1967-1968)

“After Bathing at Baxter’s” (1967)

• Key Tracks: “The Ballad of You and Me and Pooneil,” “Won’t You Try/Saturday Afternoon”
• Experimental Evolution: This album showcased the band’s willingness to experiment with longer, complex compositions. It marked a departure from the commercial sound of “Surrealistic Pillow.”

“Crown of Creation” (1968)

• Key Tracks: “Crown of Creation,” “Greasy Heart,” “Lather”
• Artistic Maturity: “Crown of Creation” continued the band’s exploration of avant-garde and experimental elements. The title track and “Lather” highlighted their evolving songwriting.

Woodstock and Turbulence (1969-1970)

Woodstock Festival (1969)

Jefferson Airplane’s performance at Woodstock solidified their place in the pantheon of legendary festival moments, despite facing logistical challenges.

“Volunteers” (1969)

• Key Tracks: “Volunteers,” “We Can Be Together,” “Wooden Ships”
• Political and Social Commentary: “Volunteers” reflected the band’s engagement with political and social issues. The title track became an anthem for the counterculture movement.

Changing Lineup and End of an Era (1971-1972)

Lineup Changes (1971)

Significant lineup changes, including the departure of Marty Balin, marked a shift in Jefferson Airplane’s dynamics.

“Bark” (1971) and “Long John Silver” (1972)

• Key Tracks: “When the Earth Moves Again,” “Mexico,” “Twilight Double Leader”
• Final Collaborations: “Bark” and “Long John Silver” represented the last studio albums before the band’s initial disbandment. While not achieving the same commercial success, they showcased the band’s continued musical prowess.

Jefferson Starship: A New Voyage Begins (1974-1978)

Transition to Jefferson Starship (1974)

Jefferson Airplane evolved into Jefferson Starship, exploring a more mainstream rock sound.

“Red Octopus” (1975)

• Key Tracks: “Miracles,” “Play on Love,” “Fast Buck Freddie”
• Commercial Success: “Red Octopus” marked a commercial resurgence for the band. The hit single “Miracles” became their highest-charting song.

“Spitfire” (1976) and “Earth” (1978)

• Key Tracks: “With Your Love,” “St. Charles,” “Count on Me”
• Continued Exploration: These albums showcased Jefferson Starship’s ability to blend rock with elements of pop and even a touch of science fiction.

Beyond the Stars: Legacy and Influence

Similar Bands: Exploring Psychedelic Realms

Jefferson Airplane’s psychedelic sound influenced bands like The Grateful Dead, The Byrds, and Quicksilver Messenger Service. Their collective contributions helped define the San Francisco sound.

Jefferson Airplane’s Artistic Impact

The band’s willingness to experiment and push musical boundaries set a precedent for future generations of artists. Their impact on psychedelic, folk-rock, and experimental genres is enduring.

Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1996, Jefferson Airplane was rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, solidifying their place in the annals of music history.

Soaring into Eternity: Jefferson Airplane’s Sonic Legacy

Jefferson Airplane’s journey from the folk-rock sounds of the mid-’60s to the experimental psychedelia of the late ’60s and their transformation into Jefferson Starship represents a sonic odyssey. The band’s impact on the counterculture movement, along with their adventurous spirit in music, has left an indelible mark on the history of rock. As we look back at their discography, the echoes of “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love” continue to resonate, guiding us through the vast and ever-expanding landscapes of psychedelic rock.