Balin was the founder and one of the lead vocalists for Jefferson Airplane from 1965 to 1971. In 1971, he departed Jefferson Airplane and produced an album for the group Grootna before joining them and recording vocals for the album Bodacious DF. In 1974, Paul Kantner asked Marty to write a song for his new Airplane offshoot group, Jefferson Starship and together they wrote “Caroline” which appeared on the album Dragon Fly. Marty joined Jefferson Starship permanently in 1975, and contributed to several hit songs (including “Miracles” (#12), “With Your Love” (#3), “Count on Me” (#8), and “Runaway” (#12). In 1978, Balin left the group.

Balin was the founder and one of the lead vocalists for Jefferson Airplane from 1965 to 1971. In 1971, he departed Jefferson Airplane and produced an album for the group Grootna before joining them and recording vocals for the album Bodacious DF. In 1974, Paul Kantner asked Marty to write a song for his new Airplane offshoot group, Jefferson Starship and together they wrote “Caroline” which appeared on the album Dragon Fly. Marty joined Jefferson Starship permanently in 1975, and contributed to several hit songs (including “Miracles” (#12), “With Your Love” (#3), “Count on Me” (#8), and “Runaway” (#12). In 1978, Balin left the group.