Marty Balin dead: Jefferson Airplane cofounder dies aged 76

The singer and guitarist died in Tampa while he was en route to hospital, according to his spokesman

Jefferson Airplane cofounder Marty Balin has died at the age of 76, his spokesman has confirmed.

The singer and guitarist, who cofounded the psychedelic rock group in 1965, died on Thursday in Tampa, Florida, where he was on the way to the hospital. The cause of death has not yet been released.

Jefferson Starship, the splinter band that Balin also played in for a number of years, paid tribute to their former bandmate on its official Facebook page.

“With heavy hearts, we learn today of the passing of Marty Balin. He was a true talent and inspiration to many. We send his family and friends our deepest condolences,” the group said.

Balin teamed up with guitar player Paul Kantner in San Francisco and the band launched its debut album, “Jefferson Airplane Takes Off,” in 1966. Kantner died in 2016.

The band, best known for their hits sung by vocalist Grace Slick, including “Somebody to Love,” and “White Rabbit,” played at the Woodstock music festival in 1969 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Agencies contributed to this report