News Bites

Jefferson Airplane rocker dies, aged 74

16:30 pm on 29 January 2016

Paul Kantner, one of the founding members of 1960s San Francisco psychedelic rock band Jefferson Airplane, has died, aged 74.

A San Francisco newspaper reports Kantner died from multiple organ failure and septic shock after suffering a heart attack.

Kantner and singer Marty Balin formed Jefferson Airplane in the mid-60s with musicians including Grace Slick and Jorma Kaukonen, scoring hits such as "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit."

The band split in 1972 and Kantner formed a spin-off group, Jefferson Starship.

Jefferson Airplane was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, and will receive a Grammy lifetime achievement award at next month's ceremony.

- Reuters