"Dragon Fly" is the debut album by the American rock band Jefferson Starship, which was released in 1974. Although "Jefferson Starship" had officially formed in 1974, many of the band's core members including Grace Slick and Paul Kantner, had been performing together as Jefferson Airplane since the 1960s. They renamed the band in reference to Kantner’s 1970 solo album, "Blows Against The Empire", which was credited to Paul Kantner/Jefferson Starship. "Dragon Fly" was actually an evolution of these previous artistic endeavors.
The album peaked at number 11 on the Billboard 200, and was certified gold by the RIAA. Its success was largely due to the single "Ride the Tiger", which was a substantial hit in the United States. The album also marked the first time Grace Slick was featured on lead vocals since joining the band. Other members of the album include David Freiberg, John Barbata, Pete Sears, and Craig Chaquico.
It's noteworthy that the title of the album is borrowed from the folklore of indigenous North America, with the dragonfly being seen as a symbol of transformation, self-realization, and deeper understanding of life’s meaning.
"Dragon Fly" has been seen as a transitional album, connecting the sounds of Jefferson Airplane with the more refined, commercial sound of Jefferson Starship. It's revered for its experimental mixture of genres, combining elements of rock, folk, and psychedelic music to create a signature sound that defined the band in the years to come.
