Grace Slick

 Grace Barnett Wing Slick was one of rock's most fearless and outspoken performers, helping define the psychedelic sound of the late 1960s and 1970s as the singer and songwriter for Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship. With her unmistakable voice and uncompromising personality, she became one of the most recognizable women in rock music. Grace was a singer, songwriter, pianist, and artist whose powerful performances on albums such as Surrealistic Pillow, Volunteers, Red Octopus, and Spitfire made her one of the era's most distinctive voices.

Grace Slick never seemed interested in behaving the way people expected a rock star to behave. Whether confronting authority, surprising friends, or creating unforgettable headlines, she usually followed her own instincts. The following true Short Stories highlight some of the unique ways she approached her craft and the unexpected moments that shaped her career:

The White House

In 1970, Grace received an invitation to a White House tea hosted by First Daughter Tricia Nixon because they had briefly attended the same college. Grace seriously considered slipping LSD into President Richard Nixon's tea as an anti-war statement. Secret Service agents recognized her before she entered, removed her from the guest list, and escorted her away before she ever reached the reception. One of rock's boldest pranks never had the chance to happen.

Rabbit Onstage

During a Jefferson Airplane concert, someone released a live rabbit onto the stage. Rather than stopping the show, Grace calmly picked it up, spoke to it for a moment, handed it to a stagehand, and continued singing as though nothing unusual had happened. The audience erupted with laughter, while the band barely missed a beat.

Germany's Surprise

While touring Germany, Grace wandered into a museum after hours and accidentally triggered a security alarm. Police quickly arrived expecting to catch a burglar but instead found the famous Jefferson Airplane singer calmly admiring artwork. The misunderstanding became another example of how unusual situations seemed to follow her wherever she went.

No Lip Sync

Television producers occasionally encouraged performers to lip-sync for broadcast appearances, but Grace hated the idea. During one appearance, she deliberately sang out of sync with the prerecorded track, making it obvious the performance wasn't live. Her small act of rebellion embarrassed the producers and delighted viewers who appreciated her refusal to fake a performance.

Painting Instead

After decades in music, Grace chose to leave touring behind and devote herself to painting. She once joked that paintings don't argue, complain, or demand encores. While fans hoped she would eventually return to the stage, she happily traded amplifiers for paintbrushes and built a successful second career as an artist.

Grace Slick possessed one of rock's most commanding voices, capable of sounding powerful, mysterious, and completely fearless within the same performance. On stage she projected absolute confidence, delivering songs with an intensity that perfectly matched the revolutionary spirit of her era. Her willingness to challenge convention, both musically and personally, made her one of the most unforgettable personalities in rock history.

Grace Slick is one-of-a-kind. 

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