(1976) Jefferson Starship - St. Charles (promo film)

This is a promotional clip made for the song "St. Charles", taken from 16mm film. It's far too rare and interesting to languish on in obscurity. From the 1976 album "Spitfire". Watch for Craig Chaquico skateboarding later in the clip...!
I've uploaded a slightly better quality version of this (480p) to this new link: • (1976) Jefferson Stars...

[@williamseidel1989]

One of my favorite songs of all time. Craig Chaquico's guitar solo is one of the best. How he imitates the wind blowing in a storm with the guitar to the the end riff where it sounds like the storm is clearing and the sun is shining through. Its just an amazing song!!!

[@PlanetAnton]

To me, this is one of those songs that sums up the mid-'70's vibe. Someday people will look back and see that this band - Paul Kantner, Grace Slick, Marty Balin, Pete Sears, David Frieberg, Craig Chaquico, Papa John Creach, and John Barbata, was one of the greatest rock bands of all time. I like the kind of dreamy, semi-abstract lyrics, and the video captures the feel of the song - Perfection !

[@jamesmack3314]

It's a fabulous song from a superb album played by stellar musicians

[@andrewmoore7586]

This was & remains a favorite of mine for a host of reasons. Taking the parts and juxtaposing them makes this so much more than the sum of it’s parts!!! It has…character! I’m 60 and still love this group.🎧

[@badnewsproduction01]

Proud to be the 69th like to this comment. I agree 💯

[@WarpedRecord]

And now there are 70 likes. The best word I can think of to describe this song is evocative. This song evokes a feeling that anything was possible in an era when, seemingly, everything was. It is a superb mix of vocals, instrumentation and styles. The lyrics are mystical and dreamy, evoking the wisdom that comes from realizing you don’t know everything and have to surrender to possibility.

[@heilleman7438]

Exactly my friend ! What a band !

[@jrm8899]

My absolute favorite song by them!!

[@ve6753]

Yep. So far as Airplane's concerned it's either Wooden Ships or Eskimo Blue Day

[@MrsGULCH]

Craig Chaquico is an underrated guitarist. He adds "teeth" to this song with a tasteful and melodic seering solo..never want it to end!

[@eugenewardjr.3506]

MrsGULCH Actually, I can't name more than one or two others that are so absurdly overlooked & missing the recognition they deserve.

[@tinamcintosh160]

So very true and very real Every single note

[@dimethaltryptamine1]

I love him man.

[@tosue1]

Pete Sears recently posted that Marty produced this 'promotional film'. I wish Marty had done more of this sort of thing. We miss you, Marty. ❤

[@Rostodon]

Isn't this just about as good as music gets..............................

[@tinamcintosh160]

Absolutely

[@levi4484]

This is the most underated songs of the JS.I never heard it on radio .The triple threat of Balin,Slick,and Kanter were at the top of their game with all factions perfectly intertwined. I am heartbroken that this lineup,this band is no more.

[@fperdomo]

Been listening to a lot of Jefferson Starship lately .. the classic stuff with Balin, Kantner, Slick, Johnny Barbata, Marty Balin, Pete Sears, David Freiberg and the amazing Craig Chaquico. This is my favorite track from that era... I love this video so much ... This gets my vote for the best "Ensemble Vocal" of all time.. Marty Balin is the smooth lead harmonized by Freiberg... then Grace is dancing around him (second verse she "takes off") .. and Kantner comes in in the middle with a beautiful spoken word! Chaquico does this amazing thing on guitar that sounds like a storm siren! Barbata has this lick he plays on many songs that works perfect here... the ride cymbal is his weapon! The bass is so cool too... A perfect song in my book

[@Martsapso21]

I'm still not sure about who's the lead voice in that song, even though I've heard it about a million times. In some places Marty's vocal sounds like a harmony to Paul's but I guess it's mostly Marty.

[@altmanberti8242]

Perfect analisis. Congratulations

[@patrickjordan6710]

The 1970's version of Jefferson Starship is an amazing band! Very underrated. Great musicians who rock with the best of them and do a ballad better than most. This is one of my favorite songs of all time!!!!

[@jamesmack3314]

I hear ya...Spitfire is so good

[@ianpryke4470]

The "Red Octopus" LP was HUGE!!!!

[@tuffguy428]

Underrated? Hardly.

[@79steelymatt]

This version of Jefferson Starship never gets the credit they deserve-they were radio friendly and still hip enough for the music snobs like myself they just could rock and harmonize equally and Marty and Grace just played off each other so well-they were a fantastic band and all their albums from 1975-1981 were complete works of art- such a stony band!!

[@tryithere]

+79steelymatt I think their problem for airplay was they made almost of their songs really long.

[@79steelymatt]

tryithere And the edited versions really don't do them justice-you have to listen to the versions on the CD-they chopped a lot of their tunes especially Miracles down to almost half and you lose the incredible guitar work they had on the original versions

[@tryithere]

79steelymatt I was gonna add to my comment that the songs don't really have good places to cut out that wouldn't affect the integrity of the songs but I decided to take the shortened version.

[@RonnieDillJrLoveIsADarkPlace]

79steelymatt I definitely agree

[@jamesmack3314]

I still play Spitfire,it's a very underrated record

[@thesithempire1348]

My favorite song from Starship or Airplane! Transcendent, nostalgic and haunting, all at the same time... A song like this comes along very rarely.

[@eugenewardjr.3506]

thesithempire Honestly,your summation of this creative masterpiece is about as perfect as anyone could put it.

[@brendasharp8072]

something in common

[@motherloverjones6008]

I totally agree. Its easily in my 10 top songs of all time. Every time I hear this song it reminds of St.Charles MO even though I know it has absolutely nothing to do with this area.

[@mikedtw]

I saw the St. Charles tour here in Michigan, at an outdoor pavilion with both covered and lawn seating... before the concert began, a typical Michigan rain started up, gathering strength and blowing in on an angle. An announcer let us know that the Jefferson Starship wanted to still play the full night's concert; they took the stage and opened, appropriately, with "Song to the Sun/Ozymandias/Don't Let it Rain" in one of those totally in sync moments between music and life. So glad I was there!

[@jeffdurski7861]

Wish I was!

[@JohnHoulgate]

Of all the great Jefferson Starship songs, this one has to be my favorite. The "I saw her in a dream riff" just doesn't die in memory. It's a perfect riff and I love how the song moves from the dreamy first part and builds into a wind storm finish. It's just beautiful and goes right to the heart.

[@redzone77p]

In my humble opinion, the best of all their music...great vocals and musicianship.

[@talleyrandful3305]

Yes sir!

[@piercehawke8021]

St Charles has a LOT of Jazz elements in it.............

[@rs5801]

Starship had it all together on this one. RIP Paul & Marty

[@skotk]

John Cofrin: It's an honor to be able to share your film with the world! I wound up with a 16mm copy of the film in my hands at one point, so I transferred it to digital and then realized nobody seemed to have seen it before. The response has been overwhelmingly great. Anything more you can share about its creation would be appreciated, I'm sure...

[@jeffsmart110]

all I know is my life is better b/c you shared!!

[@naughtmoses]

Would love to see you repost this film with a HQ audio track. I was blessed to see the 'ship several times from '73 to '86. 79steelymatt is dead on with his comment. Like Fleetwood Mac, these people had first-rank pop =and= rock sensibilities. Every album into the early Mickey Thomas era was treat.

[@dimethaltryptamine1]

Thanx SO VERY much man! I simply adore this song, one of their best & Craigs guitar & everything is beyond the great beyond ( I saw it in a dream) ;)

[@marknauman53]

What a great song....miss you folks terribly.

[@martinhyizna3299]

This song is magical for me. Right away it opens with, "Let me tell you about a dream..." and it takes me back to that time, the summer of 1976.

[@MrRhmccabe]

+Martin Hyizna Moonlight on the water we were like lovers in another lifetime.We were moored on a big sailboat rolling around in a big bed and right now it's a snapshot of a slice of heaven that I will never have again.I don't like this part of life...having to let go.

[@douglayton3498]

Martin Hyizna I agree, my junior year of high school was a magical time and this album was only a couple years old. Really dug it.

[@vincechittenden]

@@MrRhmccabe Your comment initially sent shivers down my spine. But then I realised that we are blessed to have experienced such happiness and carefree times. Time can never take that away. Many people have not been as lucky as us.

[@MrRhmccabe]

@@vincechittenden ....You are certainly right....thank you.

[@johncofrin4090]

Film I made long-ago with Iris films in the renovated old library up on the hill, Mill Valley California.

[@mloaks]

tks then, and now

[@B4iGo2it]

What a treat! I had every cassette they ever put out and it was safe to say one of the cassettes was playing in my car at all times. Beautiful music and beautiful memories

[@dimethaltryptamine1]

Not only the best song on the album one of the best Starship songs ever to come out. Bless you Paul Kanter & Grace Slick.

[@WoodstocKenny]

This is an awesome old school video. It's funny how some things stick in your mind. I'll never forget the time I went shopping with my dad and he bought an 8 track tape of "Spitfire" and he got his hand caught in the hole of the case that housed all the tapes.

[@johncofrin4090]

The band members were amazing. They treated me with respect and were gracious beyond all reason. Hugh directed and Pete was the photographer. I have not seen it in at least 25 years and expected to cringe but it is beyond excellent. Thank you SKot!!

[@ronhauther6034]

Awesome story and memories of the great Jefferson Starship! 😎👍

[@stephengoss9108]

Without question my favourite Jefferson Starship song. I can't stop listening out for the bass grooves - Pete Sears, you are my hero!

[@Babaziba]

The album cover made me pick this up lo so many moons ago, and it was about a week before I made it past this song. Haunting and cinematic. Those vocals and harmonies! Sounds like a collective dream.

[@XenaPeel]

R.I.P Paul Kantner

[@conniedriscoll3766]

what a terrible loss

[@arhuxtable]

RIP Marty Balin. He passed 2 weeks ago today on September 27.

[@bunnyman09]

One of the best Starship songs ever. The music truly sweeps you up and carries you away. I've listened to it hundreds of times and still love it. What a fantastic band they were, and the Kantner-Slick-Balin lineup couldn't be beat. Thank you for posting this!

[@carolynnangle4492]

🎯❤

[@flynntaylor5459]

I love the build up to climax of this tune and the f****** power behind it, kanters and craig guitar solo behind the harmonies of barlin, slick, and kanter himself, plus the paino keyboard pull across the keys, dualing bass, and those drum crashes. Omg the work to coordinate all that in the crescendo, damn amazing, truly one epic power ballad that never got the cred it deserved. Jefferson starship so underated as contenders in roll and rock superstars. Absolutely one of my all time favorite power ballads💖😎😲😲😲😲💖💖💖💖💖😈 Marty, grace , and paul Kanter should be dipped it gold for this!!!!! Epic... and craig just wow he brought that tune back home in his end solo!!💟

[@joeslaske5879]

Nailed it !!

[@DaveH001]

Lost musical treasures like this keep me coming back to KZbin. What an unexpected delight to see for the very first time what I consider the best Jefferson Starship lineup. You just can't beat Paul and Marty and Grace singing together. A million thanks to skotk for finding and posting this clip.

[@miyubail]

I will be 60 this summer and the only regret was I never got to see JS on a live concert. I pretty much lived listening to their music since the '60's until now. I was even in the Bay Area back in the mid '70's.

[@slw59]

Jefferson Starship at their peak were incredible.

[@21GunStudio]

The super low-fi quality, like an 8th generation VHS tape, really adds to this.

[@MMxDRAGZz]

im only 15 and i really like old music and other 70s stuff and this video almost makes me want to travel back in time to the 70s it just seems like such a cool interesting era

[@gazoontight]

MMxDRAGZz The 70s was a great time to be young - the only better time was the 80s. Two great decades.

[@caitlynmccranie4559]

Same. I’m almost 15 and I hate that I can’t live back then.

[@haintedhouse3052]

it was so much more relaxed and everybody didn't seem so hyper-conscious of everybody else. this song and many others like it seemed to reflect that attitude.

[@jamesmack3314]

I was 15 in the summer of 76 in NYC.a very cool time to be a teenager especially in the "old" New York city!! Good times

[@patrickjordan6710]

one of my favorite songs of all time!

[@7keltay]

grace slick at her finest

[@cathycaceres2796]

When this. Album came out I got a cat and named him spitfire and he lived for 20 years... My favorite song and Marty and Graces vocals were spot on

[@bartacks]

Spitfire is one of the most underrated albums of the 70s. It deserves to be up there with all the other classics of that decade. Jefferson Starship really were a stellar band in this particular iteration, who put a ton of work into composing, arranging, playing, singing and playing live shows. I'm not sure what they were on, if they were high on life at that point in time (they probably were), or high on the other stimulants currently in vogue (they probably were) but they did place that line up on a par with other great 70s band, including the one they originated from. Thank you for posting this. I would love to see a new, sharp, clean 16mm version of it, with the proper sound (from the album), now that would be a kick-ass present. Someone get her done : )

[@joepa62]

please dont ever take this vid off youtube ; thx its a great vid i;ve loved this song for a long long time and never thought i would hear it again

[@richardtofts8546]

Craig Chaquico is rapidly becoming one of my favourite guitarists..

[@lizcenterfield1963]

I love this period. Gracie and Marty seem to have worked out a truce, Papa C was incredible, the vibe was good. Marty was cranking out great songs. And I could listen to Paul Kantner sing all day long. Well done guys, your efforts are not unnoticed.

[@lowtunesinc.2926]

I loved the JS back in the 70's. Not so much anymore- too slick (no pun intended) and polished for my taste, but I still like this song very much. Thanks for posting!

[@gerrygreene6354]

Love this group. Love this song & video

[@franky528]

What an unbelievable video! I don’t want it to end!!

[@rubicon-oh9km]

I keep coming back to this again and again. So amazingly special.

[@andrewlesser]

Truly awesome. Listening to this song transports me back to another place and time in my life: "Let me take you, To another place, Another time, Another world of people, dancin' in rhyme, Dance in the air, six-fingered webbed, Fair as the air."

[@elpfanjahrling4668]

This is a Gem !

[@nancylindsey2040]

I am responding under my wife's name - mine is Sam - John Cofrin is a buddy of mine. His company that put this together was called Celluloid (I hope I am spelling it right but like movie film - will confirm and repost if I am wrong) and I talked to him today about this - the story I will leave to him as he is go great at telling the unique moments of his incredible life, but he is thrilled to have this on line and knowing so many people have signed on to watch. He is looking at the comments so please feel free to comment if you have good memories or feelings plus if you know how to post to face book it would be great to get some attention. Thanks to SKot Kirkwood for giving us all a glimpse of us old guys past! :-)

[@jlaws63]

This is an incredible song. So complex. To think they did this live without prerecorded tracks, autotuning, etc. They did this nightly on tour. Children, watch and learn....

[@TheRealEricGhost]

Perhaps the best Starship song ever. Certainly my favorite with Balin and Slick in their prime and Chaquico's guitar work is amazing!

[@nosyrosie6947]

I liked this as a teenager, and I love it as adult. It could be their best song.

[@Mike-ky9jz]

The group was at it's best when Balin's is singing.

[@iorioriorio]

Absolutely stellar amazing psychedelic harmonies and huanting riff....chaquico really shines on this one

[@dbrinkm1]

Thank you Scott !...Great Memories here !...Great indeed . Paul...we miss you ! ..Jefferson Starship was Iconic, having morphed from the Airplane.By now,Craig was a guitar Virtuoso , who could " shred " about any genre. Marty and Grace were superb Vocalists.Truly a Masterpiece of Rock History here...Peace...db

[@goldendogger]

Thanx for posting this. As I said on the other post I saw JS live at the Boton Garden when they toured on this album. The concert was outstanding. Vocal harmonies and Craig Chaquico on lead guitar were the standouts. Of course I must say also that Grace was very sexy still on stage at the time. We were all in high school and had a ball. So cool to see some actual concert film of this great song.

[@johncofrin4090]

I love this song. Babaziba's comment about it sounding like a collective dream pretty much sums up life in the 70s in Marin County CA. It was an intensely creative time but laid back and relaxed at the same time. It was way too much fun! Jacky Kaukonen, the bands office manager, was a great friend and mentored me on band politics which was a huge help to me later. As I recall, Gracie, Paul, and Marty were the prime movers from the band in the editing process. The sail boat footage was shot in the Florida Keys. MMxDRAGZz what you said about a Time Machine, my daughter would agree, saying that my generation had all the fun!

[@dbrinkm1]

It was a magic time, for sure.I remember that many of the album covers of the day, had written at the top center to right, " Direction San Francisco" ! It does not surprise me at all that the Ocean shots were done in Fla....stick your foot in any water around the Bay area and you will know why. lol I lived out there at the time.Great memories.

[@Talleyrandful]

One of my very favourite clips on KZbin! Paul Kantner, what a unique talent. Not to mention the just as or even more unique Grace, Marty and the others....

[@tedshutt56]

I saw JS on this 1976 tour and I was sure they played in front of this huge blow up of the Spitfire album cover. Never could find any photos but this video shows it clearly. THANK YOU for finally proving my memory correct.

[@grumpysorc3744]

Thank you for your music, Marty. R.I.P.

[@donaldroberts7242]

Nice to see a video that has Jefferson Starship’s forgotten man , John Barbata

[@robertmasi9955]

aka "Mad Dad" Commenting in 2023 and St. Charles remains one of Mad Dad's favorite Starship tunes. RIP Marty & Paul

[@Diostillrocks]

Spitfire was perhaps the most "Airplane" of the Jefferson Starships albums.

[@brendasharp8072]

Loved Red Octupus.

[@jamesmack3314]

Frickin LOVE Spitfire! Cruisin, hot water,etc...

[@rubicon1983]

Holy shit, what I wouldn't have given to see this line-up in concert back in the day. Classic.

[@lapazdeguerra109]

One of my favorite JS songs and albums. Thanks for posting song & promo.

[@Rostodon]

Sublime magnificent and anything that comes close has been off my radar in this life anyway!

[@stevieboy333]

Love the Jefferson Starship, Loved them since the 70's with Red Octopus - Miracles, Seen them at the Beacon Theater in NYC in 1992 with Daby Gould as the lead singer, then seen Marty Balin in Central Park at a free concert... Great memories. Brings me back to the great times when life was good & innocent.. Not like now.. Keep rocking Jefferson Starshp!!!!!

[@70slandshark47]

This song,,, some of their best work.

[@missdebbielee]

Thanks, skotk for putting this song up! It has always held special meaning for me. I used to own the album Spitfire. Its out of print now and I am grieved I cant get it back...

[@jasonwheel]

mart balin dominating the vocals as usual.

[@SouthCircinus]

Don´t forget to listen to the bass in this, it´s a masterpiece of beauty

[@marknauman53]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS...HOW I MISS THIS!

[@bobs806]

this and Miracles are my favorites.

[@conniedoan6917]

R.I.P Marty Balin. Thanks! For the music and memories. 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔

[@Frankiarmz]

What lyrics and vocals! One of the sexiest songs ever!

[@Stormcat63]

6:40 of pure power and poetry. What an amazing song from one of the most talented bands of all time.

[@garydion3488]

Fabulous - thank you!!

[@vballmom2313]

Just beautiful!

[@roseblake5803]

Nice to see the camera on Marty for a change with his beautiful voice and face.

[@ghoula69]

Thank you dude for putting this out. I never knew this promo ever existed. So fucking cool!!!!!!!

[@TheShodan92]

R.I.P Signe Toly Andersen (died 2016) ... One of the original members of Jefferson Airplane.

[@Grahamit1]

Just : Thank you

[@daysailor4055]

amazing video and song....Marty Balin's voice is just wonderful on this tune...

[@SamuelLindell]

Excellent song, excellent video. Thanks for posting!!

[@erockscott1184]

That last shot with that camera and those flashcubes!!!...wow!!!...I remember those.

[@johnclark3152]

love it. thank you

[@PeaceandQuiet12345]

Craig Chaquico is an underrated guitarist.

[@eugenewardjr.3506]

I've listened to this song a hundred times but just realized how much Craigs style and even the tone of his playing here sounds like Ernie Isley on Who's That Lady. Not insinuating that he is copying Ernie, Craig is as good if not a better musician. But the similarities between their styles has me hoping that Craig was influenced by Isley, who is one of the least appreciated guitarist of the early to mid 70's. Anyway thanks for posting a really nice bit of nostalgia and a great set by the band.

[@rubicon-oh9km]

Good call dude. Craig is special. It's a shame most of the world doesn't recognize it.

[@aaronblurr1023]

what's to insinuate? who's that lady was a HUGE hit a few summers before this song was recorded. he's quoting that riff because it goes with the changes. nothing wrong with that. it was about 1981 when that riff went out of my head. also neat is craig quoting the Animals "don't let me be understood" near the end. wow... the radio played this song a lot ... i remember parts of the song without remembering the song itself. some fantastic soft rock with some pretty sharp heavy and psychedelic grooves weaving through it. those were the days... dont forget THESE are some days too.. make memories where you can.

[@dharmabeachbum6330]

I was the 666 person to have liked this video, but I feel like I'm in heaven watching it. Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesmack3314]

Have you checked your scalp lately?! Lol

[@mamboqueen999]

Happy heavenly birthday, Marty. ❤️

[@slw59]

I was luckey enough to see them twice in the mid-seventies after the Red Octopus and Spitfire albums. Pete Sears is an amazing bassist. One of the best live bands ever.

[@charlesnolan7602]

J.S. Dragonfly and Red Octopus are excellent albums. Actually the first 4 Starship albums are great. Craig really fits into this line up!

[@catherinedolan6966]

ONO OF MY STARSHIP FAVS CRAIG SOLO IS FANTASTIC THE WHOLE BAND JUST GREAT

[@redzone77p]

Grace where are you when we need you....

[@lwplwp]

Saw this tour. Heart was the backup band....I remember Pete giving about a 15 minute bass solo (while the rest of the band must have went for refreshments) with that cast on.....Probably the best bass solo I ever saw.....Dragonfly might be one of the most underrated albums ever...

[@thegreenbird795]

Sears was an ace bassist...

[@derekjazzkulski1722]

Thanks for posting this!

[@paullarocca2115]

70's Jefferson Starship was the best.

[@adamtyson1257]

Absolute favorite, beautiful

[@grahamlindsey596]

Just thought I should pipe up here but John is an awesome guy I work for him and his brother at there estate. I don't think I have ever met someone more honest and that has more wild and just unbelievable stories then the infamous John Paige Cofrin. can't wait to read the book ya big crazy LUG! for anyone else reading this just ask him about his life I guaranty you won't be disappointed.

[@poodle720]

to the young people of today, THIS IS REAL MUSIC. Listen and learn

[@guildx700]

The Spitfire album was a sadly overlooked gem, this is a wonderous tune, but hey folks.....where in the world is Song To The Sun off this LP on You Tube ???? That tune is a beautiful next step for this one. I wore out 2 vinyl copies of this back in the day. WUNDERBAR!

[@cedarraine7829]

Love ❤️ this tune

[@MrRhmccabe]

Timeless.

[@miyubail]

I was 20 yrs old and I had just got back from UC Berkeley. Boy talk about tender age of 20 and be influenced by Jefferson's. Of course I knew their earlier songs llke "white rabbit", "somebody to love' 'Volunteers", etc, etc. Last year my son(24 yrs old) and I went back to Japan and sang(Me) all the oldies at a Karaoke booth. I felt great, I mean it was GREAT!!! My son freaked out though.