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Dragon Fly

by Jefferson Airplane

Released: October 01, 1974

Rock, Progressive rock

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Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Experimental Album.

The Album

It marked a significant transition for the band, representing a new phase following the disintegration of Jefferson Airplane in the early 1970s. "Dragon Fly" is the debut album by Jefferson Starship, released on Grunt Records in 1974. Overall, "Dragon Fly" solidified Jefferson Starship's presence in the music scene of the 1970s, blending elements of rock, folk, and psychedelic music that resonated with both longtime fans of Jefferson Airplane and new listeners alike.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

Balin, who had not appeared on an Airplane…

Balin, who had not appeared on an Airplane or Airplane-offshoot album since "Volunteers" in 1969, joined Jefferson Starship soon after the album's release and remained with the band until 1978.

"Dragon Fly" also featured the track "Hyperdrive", which…

"Dragon Fly" also featured the track "Hyperdrive", which gained recognition when it was used in the opening ceremonies of the 1976 World Science Fiction Convention, MidAmeriCon, held in Kansas City, Missouri.

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Essential Tracks

Ride the Tiger

The album includes two notable singles: "Ride the Tiger", which reached No. 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and "Caroline", written and sung by Marty Balin.

Caroline

The album includes two notable singles: "Ride the Tiger", which reached No. 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and "Caroline", written and sung by Marty Balin.

Hyperdrive

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Explore the Album

Jefferson Airplane - Dragon Fly

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Reception

Credited to Grace Slick, Paul Kantner, and Jefferson Starship, the album quickly achieved commercial success, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 chart. Within six months of its release, "Dragon Fly" earned a Gold certification from the RIAA, underscoring its popularity among fans and listeners. The album includes two notable singles: "Ride the Tiger", which reached No. 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and "Caroline", written and sung by Marty Balin.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"Dragon Fly" is the debut album by Jefferson Starship, released on Grunt Records in 1974. It marked a significant transition for the band, representing a new phase following the disintegration of Jefferson Airplane in the early 1970s.

The album includes two notable singles: "Ride the Tiger", which reached No. 84 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and "Caroline", written and sung by Marty Balin. Balin, who had not appeared on an Airplane or Airplane-offshoot album since "Volunteers" in 1969, joined Jefferson Starship soon after the album's release and remained with the band until 1978.

Overall, "Dragon Fly" solidified Jefferson Starship's presence in the music scene of the 1970s, blending elements of rock, folk, and psychedelic music that resonated with both longtime fans of Jefferson Airplane and new listeners alike.