Grace Slick on Letterman, January 10, 1983

Grace Slick's first of three appearances on Late Night.
Her second appearance on February 6, 1984, is here: • Grace Slick on Letterm...
Her third appearance on August 12, 1987, is here:
• Grace Slick on Letterm...

[@davidfong1565]

I've never heard her in conversation before. She's hilarious! And it's more real than a comedian.

[@jamesslick4790]

She is not only funny, But is a quick wit, She'd had been a great comedienne.

[@Frankenputer]

I always love her interviews.

[@simplechronology2605]

Defiantly unflitered her whole life. And I say that as a fan.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

Her voice is so powerful, one of the voices of the 60's icons.

[@bigtwit799]

she's nearly 6o!

[@dwillbecancelledsoon4086]

@@bigtwit799 bruh she’s 83

[@bigtwit799]

@@dwillbecancelledsoon4086 she does not look it!

[@Pretermit_Sound]

@@bigtwit799you realize this video is from 1983, right? That’s 40 years ago. Find a more recent photo of her. She looks her age. She still looks good, but she has looked her age for awhile now. She’s 83, and still sharp as ever 👍✌🏻🇺🇸

[@TheVideoSlick]

Not many people can put one past Dave, but she sure did multiple times !What an awesome woman and no apologies for having a good time in her life!

[@jargraroch3000]

Dave lived in a bubble compared to Grace. She probably attended orgies on a regular basis as a young lady and Dave could only fantasize of such a thing. This is just one example of many. So, yep, Grace was definitely more in tune with the universe than Dave by far at this point in time.

[@EphemeralProductions]

She was good at that! Always hilarious!

[@jamiee9257]

Even if it wasn't a pandemic, I'd rather be home, watching old interviews with Grace Slick rather than being out with friends. This is fabulous!

[@Deborah4Antiques]

She's still got that brain clicking along at 81.

[@ziggydemon1455]

Pray your friends wan't read this !

[@user-zy3zd3sx2d]

You took the long way to say that friends can be boring but not Grace Slick! lol

[@lucassames2517]

The fact she named Willie Nelson and Waylon as country artists she liked, I give her props

[@craigeyler4495]

That was a really enjoyable interview. She was quick, sharp and sarcastic, I really enjoyed it.

[@robertward8130]

When we fall down we smile. This woman is so real and alive.

[@gargois1]

Her sense of humor is awesome. Very dry and excellent timing.

[@thomaskossnar356]

My humor is the same. I also am Bipolar. Drunk ass tales I have as well. Drug abuse and shopping sprees are 2 big Bipolar symptoms. She could be BP or at least something else. And I say that with 100% support not as an insult.

[@peteschork9461]

she is truly great.

[@stevenbeasley3729]

Was still gorgeous here..

[@katperson1955]

gargois1 I love it when cops ask what a situation is when it is abundantly obvious. I could imagine giving a similar response, especially when I was young.

[@davyroger3773]

@@thomaskossnar356 Having a sense of humor isn't exactly on the criteria for bipolar didorder

[@alanadelrey6225]

She could've been a comedian if she wasn't a rock star. I love her so much!

[@helenlauer9545]

smarts. She's just so smart.

[@kencummings953]

Janis Joplin as well, who was an absolute stitch on the Dick Cavett show during her too brief life.

[@xxkarlosxxxxxx7233]

She sure could have... I never heard of her until today... Actually I'm just learning of her since we'll I wasn't born when this video was made

[@waynej2608]

@@xxkarlosxxxxxx7233 Check out her early stuff, from the classic Airplane album, Surrealistic Pillow. The lady has some pipes.

[@mechcavandy986]

She’s got the rapier wit.

[@HouseholdDog]

Not only a psych rock queen, but an absolutely hilarious guest.

[@tiffanyshanley1419]

In a sense she kinda reminds me of Ellen Degeneres, her dry humor. I think she's way funnier than Ellen though and she's not even trying, Ellen is working off a script

[@danielmacdonald8349]

To this day Grace is out of control. She is honest and takes no bullshit - and was one of the best female singers of all time. God Bless her insanity.

[@kyQueen79]

Maybe that's the thing. Maybe she's sane more than you know😂

[@porflepopnecker4376]

I had no idea Grace was so much fun. She's actually a delight and very easygoing.

[@tiffsaver]

GREAT interview. I really loved her honesty... a rare quality nowadays.

[@archangele1]

I absolutely love her sense of humor. She is hilarious. Beauty and a fantastic sense of humor. What a combination.

[@carollipton4584]

It's because she's not too impressed with herself and is very self-aware.

[@davanmani556]

I never get tired of Grace Slick and her mannerisms.

[@IThinkYouLookLarvely]

I'm the wrong age (and British, and she's a bit less well-known over here). The first I heard of her was on Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now in 1987. I thought Starship were brand new and didn't realise she was 47! The early nineties onwards I got into all the "Jefferson" stuff :)

[@gusolive5522]

Listen to marty balin hearts he wrote the best music for starship

[@pmar27]

IThinkYouLookLarvely Try the Red Octopus album. Ms Slick was in her prime, imho

[@simoneric8183]

- Same for me. She has so much charisma she doesn't even need to use her magnetic blue eyes for it.

[@31wst83]

I agree...great album!!

[@angrysumoxxx]

Grace Slick just seemed like a wonderful presence. And her Woodstock performance is absolutely phenomenal.

[@sharktroubles]

Grace Slick musta been a blast to party with.

[@cravinbob]

Marty Balin does not know but everyone else knows.

[@slownezy69]

Yeah, a lot of fun until the switch flipped, then... WATCH OUT!!! LMAO

[@melissaonorati2243]

@@slownezy69 what do you mean?

[@fatlittlekid1982]

LSD is the gateway to crack, Do not part with this gazelle. Crack is addictive. Tried it once, got robbed by the suppliers, so could not get anymore, so I got a job.If I had gotten some more, I would be dead 19 years ago. Try it with people you do not know, that may rob you. Never woken up being strangled before, interesting

[@slownezy69]

@@melissaonorati2243 I mean she could drink like a sailor and hold her liquor. But sometimes that switch would get flipped and out of nowhere came this thing that could and did beat the shit out of her band mates (and boyfriends) on more than one occasion. 😂

[@stevefaure415]

Grace is like that cigarette-smoking aunt you had as a kid who has four ex-husbands and works in some kind of administrative capacity at a body shop. Bless her.

[@MsZoedog66]

Nah, if you watch her in her Woodstock days singing 'White Rabbit' she's definitely a rock'n'roll chick for life. She's a very good actor. Even if she's got grey hair and doesn't drink, she's got a rock'n'roll heart 💖🎸🥁⚡

[@VenomStryker]

@@MsZoedog66 She drank enough for a couple lifetimes. Glad she was sober, at least during this interview, and at least as far as alcohol goes.

[@jamesslick4790]

Grace is like that cigarette-smoking aunt you had as a kid .....oh wait...ROCK AND (OR) ROLL! And oh, yea. I'm smoking something a BIT better tan a Winston,,,

[@PleaseNThankYou]

I actually have an aunt like her except she couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket. Made a big difference in how her encounters with police worked out.

[@shamsam4]

@@jamesslick4790 Is she your aunt? If so, that's awesome!

[@bravorogerbravo]

"Young people should be seen and not heard, and old people should be heard but not seen". So true. I love her quotes.

[@lisica8458]

That comment was directed to Mick Jagger.

[@scottstrand1874]

She gets credit for being honest but also hilarious! Never thought of Grace as a natural born joker.

[@Eklektik40]

When Letterman was out of questions, he would ask "How do you like country music?". Slick's answer is priceless!!

[@andrenewcomb3708]

Grace, on stage, was like the girl who 'made it' and didn't forget us, the audience.

[@bobbyclemente21]

She's got a LOT of personality!

[@andrewilson7538]

Old school rockers had it to burn.👌

[@paolocoletti1574]

Such a certain type of Scorpio "speciwoman"

[@mpcc2022]

@@andrewilson7538 They were all real artists!

[@fobbitoperator3620]

*character

[@frankpitochelli6786]

What a great sense of humor. Imagine having a time with her...😉 She is hysterical.

[@cecelawlor4862]

nothing better than a person that is in recovery and talk about it and not get put down.. i know!! they do try to.. she rocks

[@rickyparker3853]

Grace Slick is a MILLION times more "interesting" than the Kardashians.

[@vwgolf6487]

a MILLION + 1 ;)

[@helixmoore7636]

And talented

[@MsFreedom4us]

Plus she isn’t showing off her parts ...

[@31wst83]

Exactly!! And she actually did something to earn her fame...she has a TALENT. She didn't just walk the planet exposing her body parts. Welcome to 2019 I guess...

[@gabrielfero900]

What do you dislike about Kardashian?

[@5265vic]

She’s a lot more intelligent than anybody thinks. I love to listen to her talk

[@samborez]

Truly one of the most beautiful and talented women ever. Brighter in her responses than Dave could handle sometime.

[@patfatzinger4723]

The most down to earth genius full out ROCK SOUL of her generation. A powerhouse voice from the netherworld. Thankyou Grace for your sharing your gift🎶🦋💕. Feed your head😎👏🎤!!!

[@henryquenin6580]

She's actually very funny. She has a wonderful sense of humor and made a great guest.

[@valleyguy633]

Brunette, beautiful blue eyes, and an attitude. Perfect.

[@susanivy3619]

Yes...but if I was to change one thing...that 80's hair would have to go lol (no disrespect towards her. Hey, you should've seen my hair back in the day... or worse, my delusion that it looked good lol).

[@mikefarrell734]

My first girlfriend looked like Gracie I LOVE GRACE SLICK!!!

[@scottharrisohn6972]

and a smart Scorpio

[@kennethrussell1158]

She is one of the reasons why I've always preferred brunettes. Had a crush on her during my Jr high school years In the mid 1960's

[@wrinkleneckbass]

Dave was such a rookie back then. Grace was beautiful and very snappy with her answers.

[@JACKIEMONSOON]

so true, so true - Dave had not make it to the 10,000 hour milestone yet ..

[@ziblot1235]

Hey wrinkle! Gracie had started to age a little here, look at her in 67...heartbreaker. Dave was never a rookie, he had been a guest host forever when he got his bid. He got screwed on that Tonight SHow deal. He was supposed to get Johnnys spot. It was like a foregone conclusion. Everybody knew it. Then they gave it to fatboy Leno, who is OK, but he aint Dave...No he aint Dave.

[@wowser2000]

He never STOPPED being a rookie.

[@naomiemoore5725]

We were ALL young back then!

[@louisdeangelis2535]

Dave's not graceful asking booze questions..

[@professorjams]

She always looks great.... Always loved Grace..

[@Olegzyan]

yeah! she is slick!

[@455Transam]

Have you seen her lately?

[@tcb5141]

Yeah, considering this was 1983

[@Blondesunset]

@@455Transam do u expect ppl not to age?

[@Jiv_Ing57819]

Is grace slick ,:-0

[@carmenrosenberg538]

Grace has such a wonderful sense of humor love how dry she is. Also a very great story teller.

[@jeffalexander6337]

Grace is a great singer .She has done much to think out of the box

[@sabbracadabra8367]

Everything she says is amazing. Love the question about getting old. "I would like to sound like I'm well adjusted but I'm not. I don't like the idea."

[@haintedhouse3052]

yes, and - "most people get treatment, I get paid to be this way."

[@dubldub]

@@haintedhouse3052 Did she say that in confidence?

[@franklinbell2995]

Grace looks great here...always gives a good interview

[@GlennYoung0427]

One of the GREATEST female rock singers!!!!!

[@keithdrewv1161]

I stumbled upon Grace looking her up after watching her sing, I never knew her by name. I'm 43 now and am fascinated by her, her history and vocal abilities! We simply don't have entertainers like this anymore, raw talent with an amazing life story!

[@davidrice3337]

Sure there is - there's talent all over the place if you know what to look for-iv never bought in to the notion of a greatest Guitar player or greatest singer because there are so many great singers noone has ever heard of them

[@manxuberglider8]

Check out “Knock Me Out”, Linda Perry and Grace Slick from 1996. No one mentions it. It’s so great. And I agree with you.

[@Twotontessie]

"I was the only one enthusiastic about it" re: drinking. Awesome line. She is funnier than hell. There's smoke coming out of the car. The cop asks what's going on? "I'm having a party." LOL.

[@superjimbo1945]

Grace was a terrific singer and could really carry a tune. I can say that even now she really seems to be well focused and has put the past behind her, probably a thing that many psychedelic rockers have no done so well. Best wishes to her.

[@frankprince9469]

Grace Slick is awesome in many ways!

[@mechcavandy986]

A lot of them died. Pig Pen died of cirrhosis before he hit 30. RIP.

[@COOOTER3]

There is and was only ONE Grace Slick!

[@tennessee8005]

Grace Slick is an amazing singer, and so much fun in this interview.

[@dynodish]

There is and never will be another her. I love you, Grace.

[@mikefarrell734]

Aways been a major admirer of Grace i know they have been trying to make Janis Joplin a icom of the 60s but Gracie has got her beat hands down nobody epitomizes the 60s as much as Grace it is very intereting thst even today many are in awe of her in retrospect it's amazing how so many today relate to the 60s mindset

[@charlesb.6434]

Grace has always had a way of being direct, sarcastic, funny, and totally honest.

[@joedimaggio3687]

She's very honest

[@zebratangozebra]

I love her...totally point blank...no BS here

[@pbrucpaul]

When I first heard her do "Somebody to Love" back in '67 it was "WOW, Who is That?!" Tremendous voice.

[@datatwo7405]

Grace is so damn amazing. She could have had her own radio show lol. And that uncanny way of not blinking much lol. I can't remember laughing so hard and so often with any other guest.

[@sammysouth8372]

she’s such a jewel and a gift to humanity

[@OuchesVonDoom]

Grace Slick is a HOOT!!!

[@ew1usnr]

I will love Grace Slick forever.

[@opticalmixing23]

I know

[@legatou]

what a fantastic sense of humor, great woman!

[@michaelcaron7659]

Lol Wow she has a fantastic personality and she's hilarious Lol

[@MsBonijoni]

..a force of nature and a beauty inside and out..✨

[@MrMalibu30]

I was an Airplane groupie as a teenager in the 60`s... Have pics with her backstage...She once offered me a sip of her Pepsi, which I declined, thankfully, ,,found out later ,it was laced with LSD....

[@iaindrennan3552]

if this is true ,wow what a life

[@MsMouse62]

lol

[@Kelly14UK]

Hahahaha

[@nandahertz9819]

jim galati: Hey bro'; we made it! Namaste Going back Home to Godhead.

[@HRH-THO-II]

Tune in turn on drop out man. It was the 60s. What can you say?

[@adrianlyord5300]

During the first commercial break the band plays Rick James " She Blew My Mind 69 Times " which Grace Slick sang Background vocals on!

[@strangewayfaringstranger]

She is a legend. Imagine hanging out with her back then.

[@Greatest1979]

Man, she is amazing. I fkn love her!!!! Not taking herself to seriously, I love that.

[@777jones]

Greatest1979 she’s an intelligent lady, so she does not need to pretend to be one. She just is.

[@scottc3165]

Grace Slick should have her own late night show. Now that would be entertainment.

[@user-zy3zd3sx2d]

Paired up with Joan Rivers and the dynamic slings would have been off the charts!

[@r.menzel8020]

I saw Jefferson Starship in NYC in 1980. Grace was spectacular. So was Paul Kantner.

[@shawnbeck2303]

The Best eyes in Rock n Roll! Grace Slick! Awesome voice! Shawn

[@octobergoldenheart]

🎤"Stranger calling, Eyes that look like mine" 👀

[@stripervince1]

shes amazing. completely nuts, doesnt give a shit. and talented

[@richardmbowman]

"If you wanna get dumb, stay outta a car."- Grace Slick

[@littlejimbridger7770]

As soon as this popped up in my video lineup I switched real quick to a YT video I've watched a bunch. Jefferson Airplane at Woodstock 1969. Grace and Marty Balin singing 'Volunteers' together. The two of them, along with the rest of the band, were the embodiment of the times (Dig Jack Casidy', bass get up :). Truly far out. Mighty hard to believe we're almost to the 50th anniversary of that momentous event. Grace was just plain cute in those days, cute as could be. David Letterman is now retired and has a big, white, warm Montana mountain man beard. How the times have changed!

[@andrewilson7538]

It was very rare that Dave had a guest that was time enough for him. Pure classic old school rock n roll attitude.🎼

[@scottharrison3391]

one of rock's greatest women, and great singer.

[@cdream5414]

I've always loved her personality. Personslity is even more important than eating.

[@m.a.c.8366]

she is a true music icon that helped shape the early years of our music...

[@garydemaio1]

I wish Dave would've asked her about White Rabbit & being a rock star in the 60's.

[@drfreud65]

Look up an interview with Donnie and Marie. She talks about it in that one.

[@brucear]

No shit! Talk show hosts drag on about the stupidest things! We want to hear about musicians when interviewing a musician.

[@martinwoyzeck2634]

He had Slick on his show 3 times. He did ask her about that time period the first time

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Agreed. Got a little hung up on the drinking thing ... which honestly ... isn't very funny.

[@lindaclark9925]

He is/was way to stooopid to ever be a good talk show host

[@jamesscarborough5194]

The first time I heard white rabbit was in Vietnam . Been hooked on Grace Slick ever since.

[@dongiller]

As long as that was all you got hooked on while there. :)

[@jamesscarborough5194]

No. Pot and Asian pussy.

[@jonw1939]

Just want to say thank you for your service

[@richardmbowman]

Dave: "You're pretty much a law abiding citizen.?" Grace: laughs

[@ChrisReinheimer]

The greatest female rock and roll singer of all time in my opinion

[@BonnieMagpie]

Grace Slick certainly moved with the times. Glad she was smarter than some and never lost her life early to drugs.

[@Ldale11]

Yeah, she was a mix of progressive minded, wild quite often, but also pretty pragmatic.

[@belzebub6663]

she was very irresponsible and didn't die only because she was lucky, i think she admitted it by herself

[@vwgolf6487]

​@@belzebub6663 Grace's "new" Starship image was a little embarrassing, though her voice still sounded great, and HER songs weren't too bad. By the way, her last solo album, SOFTWARE, though I believe it was a failed attempt at tapping into the "new wave" culture of the '80s, is actually quite good and definitely worth looking for if you're a big admirer of her. Also her contributions to the JEFFERSON AIRPLANE "reunion" album found her in good form.

[@belzebub6663]

VW Golf She made crappy music or I would say she sang crappy music because she wanted to make a lot of money quickly and then retire. And it worked, but she sold herself for the money xD

[@vwgolf6487]

@@belzebub6663 I agree with you for the most part. I think a bigger argument can be made once Jefferson Starship replaced Jefferson Airplane. The romantic and contrived Jefferson Starship (not necessarily a bad thing to me) was a complete 180* from the political awareness of the Airplane. Starship, however, took Grace to a new low; and yes, from day one I believed she was using it for her retirement fund. The last "reunion" Jefferson Airplane album was much better; Grace came with some very good songs and she was in fine voice.

[@jayebirdjb7143]

I get paid for being this way! lol I can't believe I watched this when it aired! Grace is incredible!

[@Exiles800]

Grace's girl doll get up and cigarette scratchy voice are cute...Can't get enough Grace...

[@tacey01]

I have been in love with Grace since 1968 when I was in the eighth grade. Of course at that age I fell in love daily!! Haha

[@mycalendar360]

A legend! Love her voice & boldness. She is so interesting!

[@randybeard6040]

Somebody to Love was One of My Favorites--Grace Slick is One of the Best Female Singers EVER......

[@rogermoore27]

She has a powerful character and powerful voice

[@sheldonhinson8323]

Damn I miss David. In 83 I was 22 a would rush home worked 2nd shift 3 to 11 at the boiler steel plant to watch the show.finished off my day with a laugh! Why do the best things in life enjoyable have to end.like us.but I'm grateful I did get to be a part of it.watching on my new 25 inch remote color tv.RCA.a I loved my MTV too.

[@lazarolopez3022]

She is incredible.

[@reidduncan3509]

welcome to the wrecking ball% I was born in San Francisco and raised in Pacifica ca. the best music. airplane, ccr, the dead, Santana and you're imagination thank you bill Gramm you rocked the bay area!

[@3star2nr]

Pacifica is a beautiful place man

[@Bay1981]

Reid Duncan I lived in Pacifica in 1972-74, great times

[@deannamilnor4740]

The world just wasn't ready for Lady Grace...Thank You Grace Slick!xoxoxo

[@mathstar4176]

Grace Slick is Superstar from the beginning and she still is. She is a visual Artist as well and her work is her, I mean Real. Keep it up Grace.

[@higgme1ster]

Grace Slick is eighty and I still feel fine. Old but fine.

[@Nadeshiroo]

I always have loved this band but never new she had a great sense of humor. What a nice lady.

[@irishelk2]

She has always had such fantastic eyes.

[@opticalmixing23]

Indian eyes

[@kevinmalone3210]

Dave: Now do you wear some of this stuff? Grace: No some of it I eat! lol

[@thomasberg8162]

I haven't seen this since 1-10-1983 💯 Thanks for sharing. 👊

[@Wuei108]

I always loved and will always love her singing.

[@abjork3]

She is multitalented a born genius !

[@ilovestrawberry5225]

One of those singers whose speaking voice sounds exactly like her singing voice. She’s amazing.

[@genej101]

I just remember thinking back in those days when she was young and I was a lot younger, wishing she'd just stay put because I loved her voice and wanted to hear a lot more of her. Amazing performer, amazing woman. Dave wasn't at his best here, no, Grace was, always.

[@kennethbiebighauser7984]

Saw Hot Tuna in St Paul a week ago....so much fun !!!

[@chado3000]

This is the first time i've seen her interviewed. She's cool.

[@patrickbarnwell3958]

She would make an excellent talk show host I’ve seen her more recent interviews she’s very intriguing

[@richardtaylor8595]

I have and will always love this wonderful lady. I bow down to youe Grace.I love her even more after this interview. She is not afraid of keeping it real and I aplawed her for that.

[@susang1747]

I could listen to her stories for days from past & present - she’s so down to earth- we love her!

[@alrivers2297]

She kind of reminds me of Stockard Channing as Rizzo from Grease here

[@Brumus76]

Good analysis - Couldn't agree more.

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

Yes that's it, couldn't put my finger on it

[@paolocoletti1574]

Among Scorpio women, there's that unmistakable category of them who have that Grace or Rizzo thing

[@jonn.6325]

@@bonkeydollocks1879 ...or in it

[@bonkeydollocks1879]

@@jonn.6325 Yum yum

[@johndillinger8482]

Grace is describing an incident in Columbus Ohio when Paul Kantner swung his guitar at a security person for hitting a member of the audience.I believe the concert was at Vets Memorial and it was 1979.

[@haintedhouse3052]

Grace and Paul also had an incident in Akron Ohio when the cops started beating up the crowd. Grace supposedly grabbed a cops police whistle, he punched her, threw her in jail and Airplane performed the next night with Grace and her new black eye. Now thats a true rock star.

[@finddeniro]

Veterans Memorial Auditorium...No Longer Many Memories...

[@tabj2615]

What an amazing spoken voice, so beautiful.

[@klnine]

Grace is the real comedian !

[@jeffwise8194]

love this awesome chic