Grace Slick Net Worth

Grace Slick’s Net Worth: A Look at the Iconic Singer’s Fortune

Grace Slick, the legendary voice behind Jefferson Airplane’s psychedelic anthems, has amassed a net worth of $20 million. This figure reflects her successful career as a singer-songwriter and her enduring legacy in the world of rock music. Slick’s influence on the 1960s counterculture and her continued royalties from hits like “White Rabbit” solidify her place as a music icon. This article delves into the financial success of Grace Slick, exploring her journey from a rising star to a respected veteran of the music industry.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born Grace Barnett Wing on October 30, 1939, in Highland Park, Illinois, Grace Slick’s early life was marked by frequent moves due to her father’s career as an investment banker. These early experiences exposed her to diverse environments, shaping her perspective and laying the groundwork for her future artistic endeavors. After living in various locations, the family settled in Palo Alto, California, where Grace briefly attended Palo Alto Senior High School before transferring to the all-girls Castilleja School.

Following high school, Slick attended Finch College in New York City before moving to Florida to study at the University of Miami. In 1961, she married Gerald “Jerry” Slick, a budding filmmaker, and relocated to San Francisco, California. It was during this period that she began to explore her musical talents, working as a model for I. Magnin & Company while composing music.

Grace Slick in 1978. (Photo by Michael Putland/Getty Images)

Jefferson Airplane: The Rise to Fame

Grace Slick’s serious foray into music began in 1965 when she was inspired by an article about the band Jefferson Airplane. She formed a band called The Great Society, where she played guitar and sang, with her husband on drums, his brother on lead guitar, and a friend on bass. During this time, she penned the now-iconic song “White Rabbit,” a psychedelic masterpiece that reportedly took her a mere half-hour to write, heavily influenced by her childhood readings of “Alice in Wonderland.”

The Great Society achieved moderate success, and one of their notable songs was “Somebody to Love”, which would later become famous when Jefferson Airplane performed the song. In 1966, Grace was invited to join Jefferson Airplane after one of their singers departed. She joined the band, and it marked a turning point in her career and the trajectory of the band.

Commercial Success and Chart-Topping Hits

With Grace Slick on board and Spencer Dryden joining as the drummer, Jefferson Airplane’s second album, “Surrealistic Pillow,” was released in February 1967. The album became a massive success, propelled by the inclusion of “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love,” both previously written and performed by Grace with The Great Society. “Somebody to Love” reached #5, and “White Rabbit” peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying the band’s status and influence on the psychedelic rock scene. “Surrealistic Pillow” is recognized as one of the most important albums of the psychedelic rock era.

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Jefferson Starship and Solo Ventures

In 1970, as members left the group, the remaining members of Jefferson Airplane went on to form Jefferson Starship. The group released their debut album, “Dragon Fly,” in 1974, which was a commercial success, achieving Gold certification within three months and peaking at #11 on the Billboard 200 chart. Jefferson Starship’s second album, “Red Octopus,” released in 1975, topped the Billboard 200 chart and included hit singles like “Miracles.” The band’s popularity continued with albums like “Spitfire” and “Earth.”

Grace Slick left the group for a period, but returned for the album “Modern Times” in 1981 and remained for the next two albums. After the release of “Nuclear Furniture” in 1984, the band split. Grace, along with other members, continued under the name Starship. She also released solo albums like “Manhole,” “Dreams,” and “Software.”

Retirement, Personal Life, and Real Estate

In 1988, Grace Slick left Starship and participated in a Jefferson Airplane reunion tour in 1989. Following this, she retired from the music industry, citing her age and a desire to move away from the demanding lifestyle. Her first marriage was to Jerry Slick (1961-1967), and between marriages, she had a relationship with Paul Kantner, with whom she had a daughter in 1971. She later married lighting director Skip Johnson in 1976, and they divorced in 1994. Over the years, she publicly discussed her history with substance abuse, particularly during her time with Jefferson Starship.

In terms of real estate, Slick lived in Mill Valley, California, for years. In 1993, her home was destroyed by a fire. She later won a settlement and purchased a property in Malibu, California, for $960,000 in 1996. The Malibu home is now estimated to be worth between $4-5 million. She sold her Mill Valley property in 1995 for $650,000.

Legacy and Continued Influence

Grace Slick’s contributions to music have left a lasting impact. Her songwriting, unique vocal style, and stage presence were instrumental in the success of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship. Her songs remain popular through radio play, streaming services, and use in film and advertising. Slick’s influence extends beyond her music, as she became a symbol of the counterculture of the 1960s.

Grace Slick’s success is a testament to her musical talent, her artistic vision, and her lasting impact on rock music.