Editing Jefferson Airplane (section)

=== Formation (1965–1966) ===

The band was founded in San Francisco in 1965 by vocalist and rhythm guitarist '''Marty Balin''' 
and guitarist '''Paul Kantner'''. Balin had previously run a folk club called the Matrix in 
North Beach. The original lineup also included lead guitarist '''Jorma Kaukonen''', bassist 
'''Jack Casady''', drummer '''Skip Spence''', and vocalist '''Signe Toly Anderson'''.

The band took their name from a piece of slang — a "Jefferson Airplane" referred to a 
split matchstick used to hold a too-short marijuana cigarette. They became regulars at the 
Fillmore Auditorium and quickly built a following within the burgeoning Haight-Ashbury scene.

Their debut album, ''[[Jefferson Airplane Takes Off]]'' (1966), was recorded for RCA Victor 
and featured Anderson on lead vocals. It was a respectable commercial entry, though it gave 
little indication of the impact to come.