The Hassle of Joining the Punk Revolution: Jorma and Jack's Unexpected Musical Shift in the Late 1970s
In the late 1970s, the political and cultural landscapes were undergoing significant changes. While the rise of punk and new wave counter-cultures had little impact on the careers of established rock stars from the 1960s, the early 1980s saw a shifting in musical tastes and fashion that affected many. This period was particularly interesting, as evidenced by the baffle and humor depicted in the movie This is Spinal Tap. One such incident occurred between the members of Jefferson Airplane, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, whose musical partnership had defined the hippie era.
Background: The Founding Members of Jefferson Airplane
Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady had a longstanding musical partnership that dated back to high school in Washington, D.C. Their musical journey led them to San Francisco, where Jorma became part of the bustling bay area folk scene. During this time, they met legendary figures such as Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia. Eventually, Jorma formed Jefferson Airplane, a band that would go on to define psychedelic and folk rock music. After the bass position opened, Jorma brought in his friend, Jack Casady, who had previously played with James Brown.
The Break-Up and Musical Shift of 1978
By 1978, the partnership between Jorma and Jack seemed to have reached a point of stalemate. A falling out led to the dissolution of their band, Hot Tuna. This decision was met with shock and confusion from both fans and critics. The duo's new musical direction, influenced by punk and new wave, left fans longing for the sounds of Hot Tuna.
Formation of Rival Bands
After the break-up, Jorma and Jack took on new identities in the punk scene. Jorma, the former hippie, embraced the new wave and new punk styles, dyeing his hair, getting a punk haircut, and getting a tattoo. Jack, on the other hand, formed San Francisco's new wave/power pop band, SVT, while Jorma fronted the band White Gland/Vital Parts. These bands faced significant challenges, with fans shouting for Hot Tuna songs at their shows. Despite the backlash, the two musicians and friends found themselves reuniting in the mid-1980s, with Jorma returning to his hippie roots and Jack retaining his punk rock haircut.
Reunion and Future
The reunion of Jorma and Jack was a curious and comedic chapter in their long careers. Their partnership continued to evolve, but it always remained a significant footnote in the broader narrative of their music. Both musicians continued to work together for the next 35 years before retiring in their 80s, eventually putting their punk phase behind them. Their story serves as a testament to the resilience of musical partnerships and the enduring legacy of their early 1960s sound.
Conclusion
The musical shift of the late 1970s for Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady was a fascinating example of how the changing landscape of music can challenge even the longest-standing partnerships. Their careers in Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna have left a lasting impact on the culture of the 1960s and beyond, while the punk/new wave phase they went through remains a bizarre and memorable period in rock music history.