Editing Signe Toly Anderson (section)

=== Jefferson Airplane ===

Anderson joined [[Jefferson Airplane]] in the summer of 1965 as the band was taking shape in San Francisco. The band signed with RCA Victor Records and released its first album, ''Jefferson Airplane Takes Off'', in 1966.  Anderson sang on the album most notably on the song "Chauffeur Blues".  Bassist Jack Casady later recalled her vocal contribution to the record warmly, praising her contralto voice and the way she thickened the three-part harmonies between herself, Balin, and [[Paul Kantner]].

Anderson distrusted the Airplane's original manager Matthew Katz and refused to sign a contract with him until he inserted a special escape clause that would free her from him if she left the band for any reason. 

==== Departure ====

Just as Jefferson Airplane was ascending, Anderson gave birth to her first child.  In July 1966, Anderson informed Bill Graham that she was quitting the band after a series of shows they were playing in Chicago; she had given birth to her and Jerry's first child and realized that taking a newborn on the road was not feasible. However, Graham asked her to stay with the band through the October shows at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, to which she agreed. This gave the band time to search for her successor, eventually choosing Grace Slick after Sherry Snow declined their offer. 

==== Final performances ====

Anderson's last live performances with Jefferson Airplane were two sets on October 15, 1966, at The Fillmore.  Given a standing ovation after Balin announced from the stage that she was leaving, Anderson told the audience, "I want you all to wear smiles and daisies and box balloons. I love you all. Thank you and goodbye."  At the audience's request, the band performed her signature song "Chauffeur Blues" before closing the night with "High Flying Bird".

Anderson's final Jefferson Airplane performance was officially released as a live album in 2010  under the title ''Jefferson Airplane: Live at The Fillmore Auditorium 10/15/66 — Signe's Farewell''. The following night, on October 16th, Slick made her Jefferson Airplane debut. 

The transition from Anderson to Slick proved transformative for the band. Slick brought with her two songs — "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit" — that would appear on the landmark 1967 album ''[[Surrealistic Pillow]]'' and make Jefferson Airplane one of the defining acts of the [[San Francisco Sound]].