What a wonderful opportunity we had as a company to feature artwork form Grace Slick, a true Rock & Roll icon. Her unique understanding of the world, as she sees it, is truly fascinating. As much as anybody, singer-songwriter Grace Slick is a part of Rock & Roll history. As a member of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame her iconic vibrato voice featured in both, Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship with such songs as “White Rabbit”, “Somebody To Love” will be listed. Her legacy alongside her friend and contemporary Janis Joplin will go down as one of the most prominent female rock musicians of all time. Grace’s musical influences included Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones and the Beatles.
History of the 60’s
When Grace spoke of her other associations and experiences during perhaps one of the most creative musical times, it was like listening to someone who could not only talk of the history, but was a significant part of it. Reflecting back Grace reminisces, “my generation decided individually what was the way to go, we were talking about peace and freedom, trying to make an impact and alter the status quo, we were too naïve.
Jimi Hendrix and Jerry Garcia
“I met at Jimi in Monterey in 1967 and I was in awe, Jimi represented what we were doing and what we were all about, bringing in different races. Few could represent their art form like Jimi. I loved his clothes and his performances. Even though I was not a Grateful Dead fan Jerry Garcia was one of our closest friends, Jerry was such an interesting individual. He had a gift, he could listen and understand people when they spoke. I just loved Janis Joplin, she was strong, funny and up for almost anything, sex, drugs, rock and roll — that’s what we did. We were very similar backstage and were nicknamed Fire and Ice.“
Her Love for Art
For Grace her artwork brings her full circle, “I visited the de Young Museum in San Francisco when I was about four years old and was hooked ever since. Loved Rembrandt and other classics, don’t like modern art.” She uses acrylic paints, pen and ink, pastels and pencil. After retiring from music Grace began painting and drawing.
Like Anybody Else…
Grace has had her ups and downs. As a youngster she was a fashion model. In her book: Somebody To Love? A Rock-and –Roll Memoir, Grace talks of her bouts with alcohol, LSD and Marijuana. But it never stopped her from pursing her dreams as musician, painter and author.
Over Time Grace Became Philosophical…
As far as Grace is concerned when asked how the “revolution” is going 40 years later, “We are getting there – but still there’s a long way to go”.
Her Empowering Thoughts:
- “Through literacy you can begin to see the universe. Through music you can reach anybody.”
- “Everybody’s got issues – get a life and get over it, sometimes life is hard.”
- “When you get older, it’s not about what you did that you regret, it’s what you didn’t do.”
My questions to you as a reader: Can you relate to Grace Slick’s empowering thoughts and advice? Which one(s) will YOU follow on your career path?
Copyright 2015 Jerry Gladstone