Seeing Iconic Band Made Her Want To Be a Rockstar…2 Yrs Later She Was Their SINGER-Professor of Rock

Coming up…it’s the intriguing narrative behind one of the most surreal songs of the Rock Era. Crafted by a trailblazing musical performer known as "the Chrome Nun,” Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane. The classic '60s composition White Rabbit draws inspiration from the whimsy of a bedtime story that this singer was told as a child every night…Alice In Wonderland….Grace found some hidden messages in the story and longed to write them in this sinister and treacherous song. Whenever this songstress performed this composition live she would recite the words slowly and precisely so that the audience would understand her message but no one did! Join us as we delve into a mesmerizing journey through the rabbit hole of time, exploring a mind-altering dimension of music and bold rock artistry as we decode a song that has more mystery and enchantment than any song of its time. The story unfolds... next on Professor of Rock.
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In 1971, Marty Balin, the rhythm guitarist and vocalist of Jefferson Airplane, the group he co-founded with Paul Kantner, left the band less than a year before its complete disintegration in 1972. When questioned about the band's meteoric rise in 1967, and its abrupt descent a few years later, Balin didn't mince words. The band's double-platinum breakthrough single, "White Rabbit," played a dual role as both hero and villain. For those intertwined with love, peace, and LSD, "White Rabbit" became an anthem that was, in Marty's words, "timely for the era." The song encapsulated the myth, the concept, and the influence of acid during a transformative period of American history.
Grace Slick crafted "White Rabbit," which Jefferson Airplane recorded for their landmark 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow. The song takes inspiration from the imagery presented in Lewis Carroll's 1865 book Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and its 1871 sequel Through the Looking-Glass, incorporating themes of curiosity…altered reality…and a sense of the fantastical. "White Rabbit" captivated the baby boomer generation, fostering a profound connection with the song. It seemed to evoke a distorted perception of time and elicit heightened emotional experiences when they listened to it.
Grace Barnett Wing, became Grace Slick when she married cinematographer, director, and musician, Jerry Slick. Grace was brought up in an affluent suburban residence in Palo Alto, California, approximately 30 miles south of San Francisco. Coming of age in the 50s, an era when societal expectations for women leaned towards conformity and aspirations of becoming domesticated, Grace emerged as the quintessential "non-conformist" who rebelled against those norms…Upon witnessing a rising act called Jefferson Airplane perform at the Matrix in San Francisco in '65, Grace became captivated by the band's on-stage presence, solidifying her determination to become a rock star.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Poll: What is your pick for the most haunting song of the rock era?

[@peterd.9978]

A Whiter Shade of Pale (Classic) Haunt Me - Sade (Modern)

[@surlechapeau]

Sinéad O'Connor - "Nothing Compares 2U" and Nina Simone - "Mississippi Goddam".

[@Code.Name.V]

Alice In Chains - Don't Follow Joy Division - Atmosphere NIN - Hurt Mad Season - River Of Deceit This Mortal Coil - Song To The Siren Santo and Johnny - Sleepwalk

[@catherine6653]

In the Air Tonight, Phil Collins

[@freezer8530]

I'll nominate ... "Enter Sandman" by Metallica.

[@magneto7930]

I met Grace Slick in the 80s. I actually won a pair of tickets to a Starship concert along with backstage passes. She looked really good, a little smaller up close. She was also very polite. We were actually on stage with them throughout the entire concert, but out of audience view and near the soundboard . They also gave me a nuclear chair, which they all signed, named after their album Nuclear Furniture. A fun evening!

[@oldschoolfunkster1]

Wow!! Talk about a lifetime memory! A moment in your life no one will ever take away. Yours to cherish forever. Thank you for sharing this great moment with us.

[@apj341]

No Way Out was my favorite song from that album 👍

[@johnparsons1573]

Wow awesome story. I meet the Dobbie brothers and they were so nice.

[@alexandrawalters8953]

Grace Slick is, in my opinion, the first fierce female rock singer. Monumentally talented, she took hold of her audience and mesmerized us all. I loved singing White Rabbit when karaoke was still enjoying its pinnacle, and always saved this song for last - you have to blow your vocal cords on that last, sustained “FEED YOUR HEAD!” Thank you so much for creating this video, it’s a story that needed to be told. Kudos ☮️

[@ProfessorofRock]

THanks!

[@mitchellbaker9434]

Your vocal cords after singing White Rabbit are probably similar to mine after singing Whipping Post by The Allman Bros!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha!@@mitchellbaker9434

[@justJelene]

Years ago, I asked a boyfriend what song he thought I should do while out at karaoke. He suggested this one & I was so glad he did! I don't think it would've occurred to me to try it out. I've definitely pulled it out here & there since then - always gets a good reaction, regardless of the crowd. A timeless treasure!

[@TheBarkinFrog]

I've sung that song so many times I can't count, and you shouldn't have to blow your vocal cords out to do that last line. Take some voice lessons and learn how to support it.

[@s2meister]

Finally, thank you, one of the pillars of rock music, male or female. Grace Slick!

[@DF-ee8vt]

The song had me at "One pill makes you larger, and one pill makes you small".

[@wotanmituns33]

Have you noticed that not only Alice in Wonderland gets bigger when taking the mushroom, but so does Mario in the videogame? It's sad that the distortion of proportion is one of the effects of Amanita Muscaria.

[@pattybrown862]

Was blown away by Grace Slick. I was fortunate enough to see Jefferson Airplane, Grateful Dead, The Byrds and Poco in Houston in 1969. I was concert junkie until the early 90’s. So yes I’m older than dirt! But I was so cool 😂! Really enjoy your show.

[@c.e.anderson558]

Went to many concerts 9n Houston . When AC/DC blew the cannons off in the Collosium plaster fell off the roof. The Summit many, many times. I even remember some....

[@sueparras6028]

That was back when concerts were worth going to. Festival seating was the best. I used to love cruising the floor and meeting fellow music lovers. Those were the days my friend! Back in the 70's! 👍💯✌🇨🇦♥️♥️♥️

[@c.e.anderson558]

O

[@one80srocker96]

Her voice, it’s unmatched! What a powerful voice!

[@1onelyone]

Had a brief convo with her when I met her once, and was blown away by her continuing beauty, and the fact that this woman is HIGHLY intelligent! She was so gracious and funny, and gave me a memory that I'll never forget!! Love your backstories and overall content.😊

[@immortalserito774]

Legend has it Buffalo Springfield's Rock n Roll Woman is about her.

[@rc01010101]

White Rabbit one of the greatest, most enduring and unique songs in all of classic rock. Grace's voice is so pure and beautiful.

[@ViciousAlienKlown]

I think it's hopelessly stuck in an era that is associated with drugs and hippies. Worse than "nothing special", it's representative of the worst, most cliche part of the 60s. Take that for what you will.

[@mitchellbaker9434]

White Rabbit is simply in the "soundtrack" of the late 60s, from the drug culture, to The Summer Of Love, to Woodstock. Grace was mesmerizing physically and a force as a singer.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Mitchell!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

If kids at my school ever ask me what the 60s psychedelic era was like, I will immediately play them this song.

[@richdiddens4059]

Before she became a singer she was a dress model at a high end department store. Either I. Magnin or J. Magnin. And the transition from Signe to Grace was done in a classy manor. Signe sang the first set at the Filmore and was thanked as she left. Then Grace was welcomed and took over at the start of the second set.

[@duromusabc]

Grace Slick is slick indeed - an icon female rocker like Ann Wilson 🙌 especially with that iconic singing vocals of hers !

[@ProfessorofRock]

Amen!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Even Ann could owe some credit to Grace!

[@californiahiker9616]

Powerful voices, both of them!

[@Mike-Olds-1]

One of the most unique hit songs rock music has ever had. Truly a one of a kind and seemingly timeless classic.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

One of the most beautifully haunting.

[@100hooker]

Saw Grace a few times with JS. First 1981 at the Greek Theatre in LA. Opening song Somebody To Love. Grace and Mickey belting it out. Still got the T-shirt.

[@popeyeandthejeep7459]

I always thought White Rabbit to be haunting and mysterious in both music and lyrics. It has its own unique vibe.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

The music is a slow creep up to your shoulder.

[@mbd22803]

Grace Slick and Jefferson Airplane were always a fixture in my house growing up with my oldest sister attending Woodstock. So White Rabbit and Somebody To Love are 2 of my favorite songs. Jane was also one of my favorite songs from the band that became Jefferson Starship. Grace had a great story telling voice through music.

[@Dave-lq2le]

You nailed it this time!! The Airplane made some iconic music back then!! Love 'em!!❤❤ Thanks Professor!! Youda best!! 😎👍

[@ProfessorofRock]

Glad you liked it!

[@Dave-lq2le]

@@ProfessorofRock By the way, I never took LSD and listened to White Rabbit. No sugar cube, blotter, orange barrel, white lightening, purple Microdot, or red windowpane!! Well, maybe just a little!!🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the memories!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Ha ha!@@Dave-lq2le

[@jennifersteffen]

A favorite in the summer of 1967. Still a favorite today!!

[@ericbgordon1575]

"White Rabbit" first caught my ear when I was 14 and my parents bought me the *Woodstock Diary* CD, including Airplane's performances of "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit". I loved the interviews Grace and Paul gave the following year where they emphasized the parallel between the drug culture and the writings of Lewis Carol (Grace also parallelled the pixiedust in Peter Pan with Cocaine and mentioned the poppyfield in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.) For my part, I've never touched drugs (I don't even like taking medicine), but I've always felt "high on life" and don't need hallucinogenics to give me what I've already got between my ears. That's partly why I enjoy the music of bands like Airplane nearly 60 years after they were together. Since I've lived in NYC, I have covered "White Rabbit" multiple times. It's a fun song to play. It's funny. I didn't know Grace' name was her married name. It always struck me as a stage moniker. Learn something new daily. "Feed your head."

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Eric. You are a great historian of music.

[@ericbgordon1575]

It's always helpful when somebody like you, Adam, is on hand to compile and concentrate the history for everyone else to take stock in that is interested. Thanks for having this channel and making it such a blast.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks man!@@ericbgordon1575

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I’m a teenager, and I am fortunate to have avoided that dreadful drug route that many other kids my age end up taking. The MUSIC is my drug.

[@playnicechannel]

Kinda funny a few front women of Rock n Roll made their married name more famous than their (also musician) husbands Grace, Pat Benatar, Joni Mitchell come right to mind. There are others.

[@CaptRonRay]

It was Miracles from the Red Octopus album released in July 1975. I had moved to Tulsa from Joplin about a this time. While listening to KMOD FM rock station. It was announced that great tickets were still available at the box office for Jefferson Starship. I still have half of my ticket Section A Row B Seat 5 in 1976 at the Assembly Center Saturday 8:PM price $7.00. The opening band was just about done when I took my seat on the 2nd row that turned out to be right in front of Grace Slick. I had an 8mm home movie camera with a good zoom lens that I started recording with (no sound) of the Jefferson Starship. You had mentioned how Grace made contact with the audience. She came out to the front of the stage right in front of me singing and looked right in the camera it was great and spooky because I zoomed in on her eyes and watching it recently she was looking directly at me. I still get a chill seeing her looking right in the camera.

[@scottburton9701]

Love "White Rabbit"-It's a definite classic!

[@TJ-id6ee]

One of my favs from back in the day! Love Grace and Marty Balin.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Same here!

[@Tracy81258]

You also have to respect her for knowing when it was time to bow out gracefully. She left a legend, and didn’t hang around until she became just another oldies act you kind of feel bad about.

[@babaoreally8220]

It struck me once,as Grace belted it out,staring out over the stage,into the crowd,she was saying:Hey,you,yeah you,this message is for you.As if she was not singing for the masses,but just for you.

[@waynevia6976]

One of your best episodes. I love the opening guitar solo at the beginning of white rabbit. Jefferson airplane were great in the rolling stones movie Gimmie Shelter. It was great to hear the song played on supernatural.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Wayne!

[@omarvasquez445]

Loved this song on Platoon, great song for that scene. Great song period● Thanks Professor 👓 This song was the 60s 🍄

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening

[@Stranglewood]

Watching Grace's performance on American Bandstand still unsettles me. There is something dangerous in her knowing eyes, almost menacing. One of the greatest performances in rock history, as far as I'm concerned. Great stuff.

[@kellys.6047]

i remember my little brother fascinated by Grace Slick on Sesame Street singing one two three four FIVE six!

[@johnathanashleyOCSO]

Id tou haven't seen jer artwork YOU HAVE BEEN MISSING OUT it is absolutely gorgeous work

[@Lodgerizer]

"White Rabbit" is an incredible song from an incredible album that still sends shivers down my back, but as a metalhead I think I first became aware of the song because of Sanctuary's cover back in '87, when I was fourteen (RIP Warrel Dane). But then again, you hear it in pretty much any movie about the Vietnam war, so I must have heard parts of it before that. Awesome episode as always, professor. I doff my imaginary hat. ;) Greetings from Sweden!

[@robinator1662]

Two things: that snaky minor-key guitar intro tells you that something dark and interesting is coming near, and then the cleanly, accurately-sung vocals from Grace that are simultaneously powerful enough to slam you into a wall.

[@JPMJPM]

Thank you for covering women. ❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

You are welcome!

[@Code.Name.V]

This song is a trip in every sense of the word.

[@ProfessorofRock]

AmeN!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

THE psychedelic song.

[@jakeoncall]

This whole album is fantastic. It has the vibe of the 60's baked into it. Hey Professor, how about a show on Del Shannon? First male singer to use falsetto on a pop song. Pretty sure. "And I wonder. I WA WA WA WA wonder..."😊

[@johnstegmeier3758]

Great idea for a segment.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Far from it. I can think of plenty of 50s songs where they sang in falsetto. There’s “Earth Angel” by the Penguins, “Since I Don’t Have You” by the Skyliners, and “Stay” by Maurice Williams and the Zodiacs.

[@stephenc-s7642]

Plenty of falsetto singers from the late 50s and early 60s. Del shannon had plenty of good company. My personal favourite was Franki Valli (with the four Seasons). Covering the Falsettos and Doo Wops of that era would make some great episodes for the Professor (hint hint)🙂

[@thetitleisours1]

Such a big fan of this group through all the name changes. The first time I heard them was a friend played the Red Octopus album that he picked up from the Columbia Records buy sten for a penny or something close to that. Miracles is still one of my favorite songs of theirs

[@lynnestamey7272]

Marty Balin really had a fabulous voice. Craig Chacico played a killer guitar on that album. I loved that album, wore it out.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Great song!

[@thetitleisours1]

@@lynnestamey7272 Yes, so true! I was lucky to have that one being my album inro :)

[@thetitleisours1]

@@ProfessorofRock Thanks. When that intro starts, you are already in the mood for that song :)

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true!@@thetitleisours1

[@lynnwood7205]

No wonder my younger cousin who lived above Carmel California in the hills at that time so hated being marooned in the midwest for the next two years. I was out there different times in the 60's. I a nerd from the mid west, so little able to appreciate the enormous outburst of musical talent all about us.. As the decade ended my younger cousin was back in the Monterey Bay Area and I was in Vietnam. Thank You Professor Rock!

[@tnrodgers]

Starting in F# Minor sets the tone that she had a serious message, not pop. The Bolero beat holds the pulse and she paints the story with the lyrics. White Rabbit was a risk with sensors, but times they were a changing. Grace never seemed to move forward from White Rabbit, like an anchor. She needed to create another masterpiece to prove it was her, not the song.

[@barrysmith8920]

What a beautiful song..! Always loved them 🌹

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks Barry!

[@carolwiden602]

I am a boomer, graduated HS in 1976. Thank you for confirming my interpretation of this exciting song. I love it and still do. Thanks again Doc.

[@stephenc-s7642]

For me it has to be my all time favourite - Total Eclipse of the Heart. The way that the song builds up to a climax and suddenly breaks ino the sad, broken, quiet, teary last line of "I can't help it - Total eclipse of the heart" still grabs me by the feelies every time.

[@user-yd1oe6bu8f]

I saw Jefferson Airplane in 1968 at the Fillmore East. It was my first rock concert. They opened with, “Want Somebody to Love” accompanied by blinding strobe lights. The sheer volume rattled the seats like tremors from an earthquake.

[@kippered]

She is 84 now, would have been sweet if she gave you a brief interview. One of my all time favorite songs. I think I’ll watch platoon again now

[@blues61]

Love your interviews and song breakdowns, Professor. Side note, my guitar instructor/mentor Jorma's name is pronounced "Yor-ma KAU-kuh-nen". He's of Finnish descent on his father's side. 🙂

[@ginagretz9750]

Cool History of "White Rabbit" and Grace Slick of Jefferson Airplane. I was born in 1965 and remember this song as a hit song from the 60's. I loved how cool it sounded and loved the marching cadence of the drums. Loved Grace's voice too! ❤🎉

[@rogersjgregory]

For a song inspired by Alice in Wonderland, White Rabbit is absolutely perfect. Trippy, haunting, beautiful.

[@garyleimback9576]

Before Surrealistic Pillow, surrealism was just thought to be some crazy art by Salvador Dali and Joan Miro. Surrealistic Pillow democratized surrealism, opened up new dimensions in thinking and writing and gave drug users a new way to describe their experiences. Grace Slick's acerbic wit with Paul Kantner's and Marty Balin's critical creativity helped fuel the social rebellion of the late 60's and early 70's. White Rabbit was mysterious enough to keep everyone confused and puzzled by its meaning and knock you over with its power. Very few works of art have that impact.

[@williambenner701]

"when logic and proportion has fallen sloppy dead" this is what I see going on in today's world! 🤯 It is like the whole world has dropped acid! 😊 What can I say, Grace's beauty and voice was just remarkable back in the day! Then she writes a song like White Rabbit and steals the show at Woodstock! What a legend!❤

[@ProfessorofRock]

Indeed! Thanks William!

[@RBS_]

"...It is like the whole world has dropped acid..." ...if ONLY! ...ha-HAAA!! 😆

[@ProfessorofRock]

No kidding. @@RBS_

[@istankimjong-unbutcantstan3398]

Today's world is just a replay of the world in which this song was born into..... Same show, different cast.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Sad but true.

[@darkwitness2718]

Grace Slick has said the most haunting thing that she ever heard was visiting The Doors while they were recording "Horse Latitudes."

[@phaeded0ut]

Grace Slick’s vocals on this and other songs really are something amazing, especially live. Mayssa Karaa’s version for the movie, “American Hustle,” is one of my favorite covers of “White Rabbit.” Also greatly enjoyed both books, “Alice in Wonderland,” and “Through the Looking Glass.”

[@sgt.grinch3299]

I have always been a fan of Grace Slick, beautiful and talented woman. I enjoy every version of the band. So much magical music and visuals.

[@bill_4359]

1965 through 1968 the cover band I was the drummer for "The Inc. Few" we covered the Jefferson Airplane. Two guitars , Hammond organ, Bass and drums. We didn't have a female singer but that didn't stop us. Loved covering the Jefferson Airplanes' "Somebody to Love and White Rabbit".

[@OSoU812]

I love Jefferson Airplane and Starship because of my mother. While growing up as a kid in the 70's, She always played them when chilling out and jamming to music. What a great time! As a huge fan of alternative music, this band in my eyes were the pioneers of that type of music. FEED YOUR HEAD!

[@moomoomooshit]

Grace honestly made the Airplane, as much as I love Jorma and Jack and Paul. Marty, well, never did much for me. THink my favorite Grace moment though is on "Baron von Toolbooth and the Chrome Nun" - that album is a surreal sidetrack with the Dead , the Airplane, and the Pointer Sisters with enough cocaine to sink ships.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Love it!

[@justanamerican9024]

I am of the Woodstock generation. We had such great ideals, we were going to change the world! Then drugs took over and hedonism smothered the last of the flames of our fire for change. The demise of Jefferson Airplane was a fitting microcosm of what happened to our generation.

[@joshuagibson2520]

Altered reality isnt a bad thing. All things in moderation. Thats how I see it.

[@shirleynoble685]

The driving power of the line “Remember what the dormouse said” has to be among the most memorable of any genre and any era.

[@SPSteve]

I remember White Rabbit and Somebody to Love as new songs on the radio. A couple years later when I was in high school and started buying music I considered Jefferson Airplane a 2 song band. 2 great songs but I didn't think the rest of the catalog measured up. Many years later I gave the band another chance and found, Today, Crown of Creation, Good Shepard to be great songs with Lather and Volunteers less so. I saw Jorma Kaukonen and Barry Mitterhof (Hot Tuna) play at an acoustic venue in Scottsdale AZ a few years ago, they played several Jefferson Airplane songs. Jefferson Airplane is a band that could have defined the late 60's but fell short.

[@ohsoedgy6888]

I love the story of how she got the idea of White Rabbit high on tons of LSD listening to Miles Davis’s Sketches of Spain

[@jstnxprsn]

The colors. The colors. This will bring back some phrygian memories. Thanks, Adam.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@Mildred-nu7fh]

Yes, same for the solos on Achilles Last Stand

[@mrjmorovis]

When I lived in Palo Alto in the 90's I discovered how many of the musical stars of that time came grew up Menlo Park, Palo Alto, etc. How many had connections to the Mid Peninsula was amazing and surprising and somewhat contrary to their images.

[@dibber43]

"Somebody To Love" Truly one of my favorite songs ever!

[@playhooky]

You HAVE to check out the live version video here on YT "Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway - White Rabbit (Live)" performed in April 2023 at Suwannee Hulaween music festival near Live Oak, FL with excellent bluegrass musicianship - plus costumes!

[@Racerx197]

Always great Stories or interviews ! Love this

[@cbroz7492]

..I've been saying that White Rabbit by Gracie was the best enunciated song ever...now I see this..WOW!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Isn't that something!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Every word is clear!

[@HungryH1951]

I remember distinctly when I first heard Somebody to Love when it was released in 1967. I thought it was great and it was, as usual with me, the guitar work that caught my attention. This was not a band that needed an organ or piano but straight guitars, bass and drums. Very innovative stuff. I was blown away. Then White Rabbit was soon released as a single and it was the bass and vocals that were stand out on that song. I followed them closely up through Crown of Creation which was quite a good album. The more I listened I became convinced that they had one of the best bass players I had ever heard, Jack Cassidy. Even Grace Slick said when asked what was so good about Jefferson Airplane, 'it was our bass player'. She thought he was the best around and I agree. I loved their performance at Woodstock and too bad they got cut short at Altamont due to fighting by Hells Angels and Balin getting cold cocked twice by them. It was kind of hard to perform after that. Anyway, the Airplane was one of my favorite bands of the era. And I really loved the stuff they did earlier with Signe Toly Anderson, she was a fine singer as well. There is an interesting recent and fine performance of White Rabbit by an excellent musician and performer named Molly Tuttle (and her band Golden Highway). She is out of the same area in CA that Grace was from. It is really worth the listen, so good.

[@robertcreighton4635]

Always loved the song. Great to hear so much info about it. Thanks Prof

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks for listening

[@davidsecord6412]

Grace Slick started off as a model and was stunning when she was young. My favorite song is Grace's sister's composition "Somebody To Love."

[@johnstegmeier3758]

Her brother-in-law Darby Slick. Check out his guitar work in the Great Society.

[@jefff2223]

I was a kid in the 80s when I first heard this song. It was well before my time but as soon as I experienced it, I was hooked. I didn’t know anything about JA but I knew this song was special even if I didn’t quite understand it and it has been part of life ever since. I was captivated from the first seconds of Grace’s voice. The drums are also awesome.

[@WalnutSpice]

I have been really heavily listening to the Airplane recently, have for a long time but a lot more recently. If you want to hear some of Grace's best work with them that's not the super overplayed White Rabbit track Hey Frederick, Ice Cream Phoenix, Eskimo Blue Day, Greasy Heart and so so many more. Highly recommend deep diving into this band, they've got so much great stuff. Some major favourites of mine apart from those up top are Coming Back To Me & Today, If You Feel, Good Shepard, In The Morning, High Flying Bird, And I Like It, Plastic Fantastic Lover and 3.5 Of A Mile. Those tracks should be a great introduction to the band and really showcase what they were capable of.

[@CaptRobertApril]

You really need to get an interview with Grace, she's got a million stories, and she's an outstanding artist. I met her at a gallery showing and impressed her by picking out Brian Jones of the Rolling Stones in her painting of the Monterey Pop Festival.

[@kfemme68]

As I said in the episode about Janis, I consider Grace and Janis my Goddesses! White Rabbit is one of my favorites! I love listening to it every chance I get. Thanks for including more female artists in your shows lately! I really appreciate it because female artists are my favs and what I tend to listen to more than anything these days.

[@catherine6653]

I have this double A side 7 inch single. I like Grace Skick's vocal. Grace is also is a talented painter.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed! She's amazing. Thanks Catherine.

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Grace Slick can also be really hilarious, I’ve heard.

[@Dan-dg9pi]

No history of 1960s music would be complete without this song. The Great Society version is fantastic too. I always thought the Airplane's version of Wooden Ships was absolutely without equal, with all respect to the CSN version.

[@Shooter_FPV]

I remember seeing Jefferson "Airplane" at a local amusement park in the early 90's... after every song the crowd kept shouting "White Rabbit". But, sadly, they never played it..

[@californiahiker9616]

What?!

[@kc0lif]

white rabbit one of my favourite songs. grace slick was a incredible singer. grace always speaks her mind.

[@mrbag60]

Grace will be 85 yrs old in Oct 2024 which considering her struggles with alcohol and drugs over the years and now current health problems is pretty damn amazing. Now only Grace, bassist Jack Casady, and Guitarist Jorma Kaukonen are left of the Airplane's 1965-1970 line-ups as Signe Andersen, Paul Kantner (Signe & Paul died on the same day in Jan 2016) Marty Balin, Spencer Dryden, & Skip Spence (who left to form Moby Grape in late-1966) have all went to Rock and Roll heaven.

[@sovereignbrehon]

Wow. Is that a record for aging rockers? Sheesh!

[@mrbag60]

@@sovereignbrehonConsidering the oldest rocker i know of is Chuck Berry who made it to 90 before he died and Grace is the oldest female rocker i know of still living i would say pretty close to the mark.

[@bobpond6381]

Out with my wife today we went past a boutique named Ask Alice. We were talking about how White Rabbit is such a great minimalistic musical achievement.

[@lawrencenjawe9875]

Who could ever forget Somebody to Love and many other songs including White Rabbit.. Grace Slik was simply a force of nature and such a charismatic personality similar to the unforgettable Jim Morrison of the Doors.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Thanks!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

I bet even Morrison was blown away by Grace’s performance in White Rabbit.

[@lawrencenjawe9875]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I wouldn't be surprised.

[@georgemathie8123]

Grace slick is my all time favorite female vocalist with Jefferson airplane and starship she can soothe you or scorn you but no matter what she will totally move you and capture your heart with her amazing vocals

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on George!

[@georgemathie8123]

@@ProfessorofRock you to my friend

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

Enrapture you. She’s a strong woman!

[@georgemathie8123]

@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 yup that's the word im looking for also I loved her work with Jefferson starship she blended well with Paul kantner and Marty balin and also with Mickey Thomas to

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

@@georgemathie8123 It’s hard to believe that she sang both “White Rabbit” and “We Built This City.”

[@ALLAN-nc6ym]

Superb critique and breakdown of a fantastic track.

[@scyz2807]

White Rabbit is one of my favorite songs of all time. Now, I was only 11 when this Jefferson Airplane song came out so I don't remember hearing back then. But I do remember listening to Rock & Roll music radio stations at that age so I could have heard it played. And being 11, I had no idea what the "drug culture" was. I have since gained some perspective on the times when this song came out and what was going on with kids in their late teens and early twenties. What I find very fun is that as an older guy with a (still) good singing voice I can actually (on a good voice day) match Grace's vocal range in White Rabbit. 8 - O Oddly enough I don't think I could have hit those high notes when I was 20. LOL

[@austintrousdale2397]

Awesome entry in the songs that POR has profiled. My favorite cover of "White Rabbit" is by the late 90s/early 2000s alt-rock act Collide.

[@brokl26]

Only if you’re looking mainstream. The band Coven, possibly the first occult hard rock band was a ton darker and more haunting. Jinx Dawson is great. Plus on album art, Coven actually pioneered the “devil’s horns” hand gesture. Then Geezer, and so on. Not Dio or Gene Simmons. But yes,Jefferson Airplane had a pretty haunting hit. I love everything Jefferson Airplane. Not much after.

[@Nora-ov2pq]

Jefferson Airplane is one of my all time favorites! Caught their magical shows in San Francisco multiple times. Great band. Grace was amazing. You say they broke up in 1972? I caught their show that year and I remember that they refused to do “White Rabbit” claiming to be sick of it! I’m now guessing that was one of their last shows. Thanks for the great memories.

[@triciareed4965]

Love Grace Slick. She was so underestimated. Her voice was so powerful, she was so talented.

[@ProfessorofRock]

Agreed!

[@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980]

She’s still around!

[@PatrickRosenbalm]

Great song! It's on our set list. Another sad melancholy song from the late 60s is The Theme to Valley of the Dolls. Then go read about the movie and the three lead actresses in it and how their own lives followed the characters they played in the movie to some degree. There's you a video idea right there Adam.

[@napolean71]

One of my favourite Jefferson Airplane tunes. 'Today' being my favourite, with 'It's No Secret', 'Somebody to Love' and 'Volunteers' close behind.

[@michaelbloomfield9911]

I always loved this song, its so atmospheric and haunting!

[@ProfessorofRock]

So true!

[@paulawolff3456]

Grace had a VOICE and she had control over it. I wish. "Somebody to Love" is a huge favorite of mine.

[@brucegwynn47]

Cool shirt, love Jefferson airplane and I totally love professor of rock channel, Adam , you are definitely the rock professor!!!!

[@ProfessorofRock]

Rock on!

[@wacholder5690]

8:20 : I almost fell off the chair laughing. *That* was a great one ! Thanks for sharing.

[@mickcrovo5238]

Such a powerful voice, and her pitch is perfect.

[@sephirothii13]

a dear friend of mine does this song a lot and everytime I hear it, I think of her.

[@r.w.bottorff7735]

Great episode! One of my all time favorite psychedelic tracks. Still sounds fresh. Thank you!

[@darrylmars]

Grace is THE Queen of Rock. Airplane my favorite band of all time. Saw Grace so drunk in Philly she forgot the words to "Somebody to Love." Quick trip backstage fixed her right up. When people yell requests, I always shout "White Rabbit", no matter the band.

[@flyswryan]

I took my kid to Bethel Woods for the 40th anniversary of Woodstock concert. Jefferson Starship played with their new vocalist. It was her 40th birthday, but she wasn't born on Yasgur's farm. She looked a LOT like Grace and when she sang White Rabbit, she sounded exactly like Grace. There was a lot of hair standing up at that moment.

[@robertweldon7909]

I never heard of or read Louis Carrol's book, but I saw, on TV, the original movie, based on the story (Alice Through the Looking Glass, 1933) and have seen Disney's animated version (Alice in Wonderland 1951) which most of us, my age, and maybe even Grace, have seen. White Rabbit follows that version, most closely. I first heard White Rabbit when it came out on The Great Society's album, on the radio in San Diego, and instantly thought, "this tune sounds like an LSD trip. You mentioned that Carrol may have had that in mind. The Jefferson Airplane was one of the San Francisco bands that defined the mid Hippy era. "Bless its Pointed Little Head" ;-)

[@syater]

Love this post, Professor! My older stepsister's copy of Surrealistic Pillow caught my eye early in 1967 and I got my own copy. The magic of that album can still take me away all these years later. A haunting song released in 2000, "Come On Let's Go" by the band Broadcast is haunting it another way. A video on YT of 'Broadcast and The Focus Group' is even more haunting if not downright spooky. But "Come On Let's Go" is the better song though.

[@julianagreenfield4168]

Such a haunting and intense song. Thanks for the deep dive!

[@CabinFever52]

I love, love, love this one, especially at Woodstock!

[@rogersjgregory]

Grace was great in Starship as well. Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now is a classic.