John Barbata, drummer for Jefferson Starship and Jefferson Airplane, has died at the age of 79.
The musician reportedly passed away on May 8th, but the cause of death is unknown at this time.
Barbata also played with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, the Turtles, and the Sentinels.
A statement on Jefferson Starship's official Facebook page read: Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and fans. Stay safe and rock, Johnny! ”
In their eulogy they wrote: “Rest in peace John Barbata, legendary drummer of Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship.
“Known for his extraordinary talent, John left his mark on the music world, performing with bands such as The Turtles, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jefferson Airplane, and Jefferson Starship. 1972 , David Crosby introduced John to Airplane during CSNY's hiatus, and John was immediately hired. John's drumming skills were featured on the band's last studio album, LONG JOHN SILVER, and on their live album, THIRTY SECONDS OVER WINTERLAND. (sic)”
He had hits early in his career, including the Turtles' hit “Happy Together,” which spent three weeks at number one in 1967.
With a drummer in tow, the band continued to produce more hits, including “She'd Bother Be with Me,” “You Showed Me,” “She's My Girl,” and “Elenore.”
In 1970, Barbata received an invitation to join CSNY after Neil Young fired former drummer Dallas Taylor. Their live album “4 Way Street'' reached number one on the Billboard 200.
It featured “Ohio,” a protest song about the Kent State shootings. As well as several CSNY albums, Barbata worked individually with members, including Graham Nash's “Songs for Beginners” and “Wild Tales,” Graham Nash and David Crosby's “Graham “Nash David Crosby'', Stephen Stills' self-titled album, and he replaced Kenny Buttley with the Stray Gators on Neil Young's live album “Time Fade Away''.
In the midst of his success at CSNY, David Geffen invited Barbata to join the Eagles, but he politely declined the offer.
Barbata was forced to leave Starship, which he had joined in 1974, after a serious car accident in 1978 that took more than a year to recover from.
Although he did not return to tour, he made more records in the 1980s.
He also recorded with Linda Ronstadt, Johnny Rivers, Lee Michaels, Ry Cooder, and the Ever Brothers, and is said to have appeared on over 60 uncredited albums.
Barbata was among a group of drummers who liked to add stick twirling to their performances.