John Barbata Obituary, Death – Jefferson Starship’s official Facebook page has confirmed the unfortunate news of the passing of the legendary John Barbata, the original drummer of Jefferson Starship. Our deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. May he rest in peace, Johnny! Throughout his extensive career, Barbata made a lasting impact on the world of rock music. He first gained recognition as a member of the surf-rock group The Sentinels before achieving mainstream success with The Turtles in 1966.
During his time with The Turtles, Barbata showcased his exceptional rhythmic skills on numerous chart-topping hits, including the iconic 1967 single “Happy Together,” as well as the beloved late-60s classics “Elenore” and “You Showed Me.” In 1969, Barbata embarked on a new chapter by joining forces with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young for their tour and their acclaimed 1974 live album, “4 Way Street.”
Throughout his life, Barbata continued to contribute his drumming talents to David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, and Neil Young, both as part of the group and their individual endeavors. By the 1970s, Barbata had become one of the most sought-after drummers in the world, collaborating with renowned artists such as Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, Leon Russell, and the Everly Brothers.
Despite tempting offers, Barbata chose to forge his own unique path in the industry, declining opportunities to join the likes of Elvis Presley and The Eagles. Barbata’s musical journey continued with Jefferson Airplane, where he made significant contributions to the band’s final studio album, 1972’s “Long John Silver,” and the electrifying 1973 live record, “Thirty Seconds over Winterland.”
As Jefferson Airplane transformed into Jefferson Starship, Barbata remained an integral part of the band’s sound, collaborating with Grace Slick, Paul Kantner, and others on several acclaimed albums released between 1974 and 1979.
John Barbata will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most accomplished rock drummers of all time, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.