Grace Slick, born Grace Barnett Wing, is a renowned retired musician from the mid-1960s. With her powerful vocals and performances, Slick became a prominent figure in some iconic bands. She was a member of Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, and Starship. Today, we’ll look into Grace Slick net worth, along with her career journey. We’ll explore the sources that have the contributions to her financial success.
Table of Contents
Who is Grace Slick?
Born in 1939 in Chicago, Grace Slick is a painter and retired musician. Raised in various cities, she grew a passion for music from very young. Slick attended Palo Alto Senior High School and later pursued her studies at Finch College and the University of Miami. She began her journey in the world of music in 1961.
Slick’s musical journey took off in the mid-1960s by joining the Great Society band. The b band was a part of the thriving psychedelic music scene in San Francisco. However, it was her subsequent involvement with Jefferson Airplane that drove her to fame. Jefferson Airplane’s 1967 album “Surrealistic Pillow” became a massive success. The album’s popularity made Grace as one of the most influential female rock musicians of her time.
How Much is Grace Slick Net Worth?
As of 2023, Grace Slick owns a net worth estimated at around $20 million. Her remarkable success as a musician contributed significantly to her accumulated wealth over the years.
| Net Worth | $20 million |
| Birth Name | Grace Barnett Wing |
| Born | October 30, 1939 (age 83) |
| Birthplace | Highland Park, Illinois, U.S |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (1.7 m) |
| Profession | Painter, Retired Musician |
| Social Media | Twitter, Facebook, Instagram |
Grace Slick’s Music Career
From Great Society to Jefferson Airplane and Starship, Slick’s music career spanned four decades. This long career helped define the psychedelic rock movement of the 1960s and beyond. Here’s a brief look into Grace Slick’s music career, highlighting key milestones and achievements.
Joining Jefferson Airplane: A Path to Stardom
As mentioned, Grace’s career bloomed when she joined the music band Jefferson Airplane in 1966. With her unique contralto voice, she quickly became the face of the band. Her addition injected new energy into the group, pushing their sound in bold directions.
“Surrealistic Pillow”: A Breakthrough Album
One of Slick’s defining moments came with the release of Jefferson’s 2nd studio album, “Surrealistic Pillow.” The album featured two of the band’s biggest hits, “White Rabbit” and “Somebody to Love.” Grace sang both of these songs. Her haunting vocals and the raw intensity of her performance garnered massive critical acclaim. That eventually propelled the album to commercial success.
Exploring Psychedelic Themes and Counterculture Movements
In the 1960s, Slick’s music career reached another mark with the spirit of the counterculture movements. Her lyrics reflected the era’s political unrest, addressing themes of rebellion, love, and psychedelic experiences. Through songs like “Volunteers” and “Wooden Ships,” Slick highlighted poignant social commentary with infectious melodies.
Transition to Jefferson Starship: Evolving Sound and Success
As the 1970s arrived, Jefferson Airplane underwent lineup changes and eventually transformed into Jefferson Starship. But Grace Slick remained a primary band member, and their sound evolved to incorporate new elements. They tried out genres like progressive rock and AOR (album-oriented rock) etc. Jefferson Starship achieved notable success with hits like “Miracles” and “Jane,” featuring Slick’s powerful vocals and the band’s polished sound.
Solo Career: Embracing Artistic Freedom
In the early 1980s, Grace Slick embarked on a solo career, eager to explore her artistic direction. She released several studio albums, including “Manhole,” “Dreams,” “Welcome to the Wrecking Ball!,” and “Software.” Slick’s solo work showcased her versatility as a songwriter and allowed her to experiment with different musical styles, ranging from rock to new wave. While her solo albums didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as her work with Jefferson Airplane, they received critical praise and solidified her reputation as a respected musician.
Starship Era Pop-Rock Success
In the mid-1980s, Jefferson Starship became simply Starship, shifting towards a more pop-oriented sound. They scored major hits like “We Built This City,” “Sara,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” Slick’s powerful vocals and the band’s catchy melodies made them a force to be reckoned with on the pop-rock charts.
Retiring from MusicA Legacy that Endures
Grace Slick retired from the music industry in the mid-1990s, marking the end of an era. Despite the ups and downs of her music career, Slick’s contributions to psychedelic rock and her indelible talent as a vocalist continue to inspire artists and fans worldwide. Her fearless exploration of musical boundaries and thought-provoking lyrics left an undeniable mark on the history of rock music.
Career as a Visual Artist: Painting a New Canvas
After retiring from the music industry, Grace Slick found solace in visual art. Following many difficulties in her life, Slick turned to drawing and painting animals as a way to find happiness and amusement. Little did she know that this would become a passion that would shape her post-music career.
Slick’s journey as a visual artist began when she was approached to write her memoir, “Somebody to Love? A Rock-and-Roll Memoir.” Her agent, impressed by her artwork, asked her to create portraits of her contemporaries from the rock-and-roll genre to be included in the book. Initially hesitant, Slick eventually agreed and discovered the joy of expressing herself through art. Her colorful renditions of Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, and Jerry Garcia graced the pages of her autobiography, along with an Alice in Wonderland-themed painting and various sketches.
Grace Slick’s visual art spans a wide range of styles and mediums. From whimsical Alice in Wonderland themes to realistic rock and roll portraits, minimalist ink wash-styled nudes, and more, Slick’s art knows no boundaries.
Among her popular works are her various renditions of the White Rabbit and portraits of her colleagues in the music industry. These pieces have become best-selling prints and originals, capturing the attention of art lovers. In collaboration with Dark Horse Comics, Inc., Slick’s Alice in Wonderland works led to the release of stationery and journals adorned with the Wonderland motif. Despite facing mixed opinions from critics, Slick remains indifferent to the criticism. Because for Slick, art is a medium of self-expression that knows no limits.
FAQs
Why did Grace Slick quit Jefferson Airplane?
It was due to personal reasons and to pursue a different path in her life and career. She wanted to focus on her family and explore new creative endeavors.
When did Grace Slick quit Starship?
It was in the mid-1990s when Grace Slick officially retired from music. And this marked the end of her time with the band Starship.
Does Grace Slick have a daughter?
Yes, Grace Slick has a daughter named China Wing Kantner. China’s father is Paul Kantner, a fellow musician and a founding member of Jefferson Airplane.
Final Thoughts
The former member of Jefferson Airplane, Grace Slick has had a great music career. That helped her to amass a fortune in millions. So it’s not just her music career, Grace Slick net worth also shows her success. After retiring from music, Slick found solace in visual arts, further enriching her artistic journey.
