Tuesday 20 November 2012

INSIGHTFUL PAUL KANTNER BIOGRAPHY

Paul Kantner-photo
Although he never wrote or sang lead on a hit single, Paul Kantner had the greatest impact on Jefferson Airplane/Starship of any member. He holds the record for the longest, unbroken membership (19 years), and he has been at times the only original member of the band present. His interest in science fiction helped transform Jefferson Airplane into Jefferson Starship, and, throughout it all, he presided over the band's loose and sometimes messy democracy. If Marty Balin was the soul of the band, and Grace Slick its public persona, then Paul Kantner could be considered its brain. 

The only native San Franciscan among the Airplane/Starship principles, Paul Lorin Kantner was born March 17, 1941, to Paul S. and Cora Lee (Fortier) Kantner. Paul had a much older half brother and half sister. When Paul was about six, his mother died; he later recalled that instead of being allowed to attend the funeral, he was sent to the circus. Paul's father, a traveling salesman, could not raise the boy on his own and sent him to live in a Jesuit military boarding school. It was there, in the second or third grade, that he discovered science fiction while being left alone in the school library. The Jesuits apparently also taught Paul the military-like discipline and determination that would serve him well through his career's ups and downs. 

Read on...


CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FROM GONZO

Tales From The Mothership - Roswell UFO Festival 3 July 2009
4CD - £15.00

Acoustic Warrior
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BB Kings Blues Club, Ny, 2007 
3CD - £19.99

Substage, Germany 2005
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Soiled Dove
DVD - £12.99

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