Goodnight Signe
We were just checking into the hotel in Santa Monica this afternoon… I’ve got a solo gig at McCabe’s Music Shop tonight… I got a call from Grace who told me that Signe, the Airplane’s first female voice, passed on the same day as Paul.
Signe was one of the strongest people I have ever met. She was our den mother in the early days of the Airplane… a voice of reason on more occasions than one… an important member of our dysfunctional little family. I always looked forward to seeing her when we played the Aladdin in Portland. She never complained and was always a joy.
Flights of angels sing thee to thy rest sister…
You will always live in my heart…
Now we are four…
We can be together… always…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGSCKqtLM9c
Yeah I know… that’s Grace not Signe… It’s a dedication for our girl…
We will always remember her…
Hi Jorma,
It’s been a while since we last ran into each other. I hope all is well. I really appreciated you and Jack allowing me to interview you guys in Arles, France for my former web magazine, Travels&Stories.com, back in 2005. I briefly met Paul later that summer in Italy and I told him about my interviews with you and Jack which he thought was great. We talked about my interviewing him somunfortunately we didn’t get around to it. I also appreciated your visiting with my brother, sister-in-law, and niece when you played in Little Rock that year. Been thinking about you four JA guys since the passing of Paul and Signe. I hope the happy memories sustain you through this sad time.
Sincerely,
Joe Pascale
Jorma, thank you for such moving memories and tributes to both Signe and Paul. As you once led us in outlook on life (for better or worse, and doubtless unintentionally on your part) in our youth, you are now illuminating a way to view growing older and dealing with the reality of losing friends, and even more losing friends with whom we have quarreled from time to time. Last night at an open mic I took inspiration from the bonus tracks of the Takes Off album and, using some of the skills I’ve picked up at Fur Peace, played and sang High Flying Bird in tribute to both Paul and Signe. They must have been looking out for me, as my wife observed that it was one of the best songs she’s heard me perform.
Hope the 4 of you are all kind to each other. The whole has been and will always be greater than the sum of the parts. And that doesn’t diminish your individual talents. I saw Hot Tuna, JS and NRPS within a few months of each other in 1976 and considered that a JA reunion. Got to see Jorma, Jack, Paul and Papa John together, then the official JA reunion, then Paul, Jack and Signe together in an early 90’s iteration of JS. And of course, Paul, Marty and Jack in JS as well. All the while going to as many HT and Jorma/Barry concerts as I could. And then Marty with Hot Tuna to celebrate Jack’s b-day. The joy your art has given all of us is immeasurable. Long may you run. All 4 of you. Ride the music!
Jorma, your graceful tribute is very moving. In the winter of ’68, as a very straight sophomore at Bellarmine, I first saw JA at San Jose Civic Auditorium, and then again at Santa Clara U outdoors in the spring. I had forgotten the surprise and wonder this music made me feel until listening to the lps this weekend, After Bathing and Takes Off mostly. After Bathing is so layered and artful, and Takes Off so bright and young and full of hope. Promise realized, made eternal and still renewed again tonight : that is the legacy of Paul and Signe. I thank them and you and all of the family of Jefferson Airplane.
Shine on Signe…”High Flyin’ Bird”
Good thoughts and prayers to Jorma, Jack and all the Jefferson friends and family.
Peace & Love
Another
Redwood
Fell
I think Paul was in charge of sunset last night
Keep doing the next right thing Jorma.
We love you.
We need you.
Run Around
Jorma, From a longtime supporter please accept my heartfelt thanks for your eloquent words in tribute to Signe, and especially to Paul. Your account of living and working together as “water brothers” and reuniting with Paul last year was very moving. It meant a lot to me and to other JA fans I know.
Looking forward to seeing your performance in San Diego this weekend. Last saw you and Jack at a show at George Mason U. in Fairfax, VA a few years back. It was most enjoyable. I only wished I had been able to get to your guitar farm in Ohio before I moved back to California.
Thanks john… we’re in San Diego teaching right now… we do it every year. Check http://www.furpeaceranch.com Take care brother…
Wow. So sorry . Signe’s voice was amazing. Man Jan has sure been tough on R&R but these Airplane losses hit me hard . RIP SA and PK. Jorma so sorry for your losses., Wow
Signe never got the credit she deserved. JA Takes Off was and still is a great album. RIP Signe. May you be singing Chauffeur Blues up there with Paul.
A sad week for the Airplane Jorma. your music is immortal and has been and no doubt will continue to be life changing for so many folks. Fly on Jeffrson Airplane
Dear Jorma,
Such a sad, sad week.
RIP, Signe and Paul.
They took flight together, something I find comforting
Looking forward to seeing you and Jack at the ranch this March
Stay well❤️
Cyndy
Just kind thoughts your way…sorry for all your loss…be strong and get your butt back to ohio in due process.
Paul Kantner saved me in1968 when the first chords of IN TIME played .Was having a nervous trip LOVE to all aorplane lovers
…
Peace
Love All Ways
Wow…sorry to hear – sincere condolences to the JA family.
Another angel,may she rest in peace.
We’ll be always remember her..very talented girl.
As for Signe Anderson, I only know “Takes Off”. I’ve heard a lot of wonderful things about that lady, though. RIP, lady.
OT, I know, but I was so happy to hear that Jorma and Paul had reconciled, at least on a personal level. That was mighty big of you to invite the cranky old Baron to dinner last year, Jorma!
As Bob Dylan says: “Ring Them Bells”. Thanks Jorma for the heartfelt words. Very sorry for your double loss. Music and Prayers to all.
“The task on earth is living well.” One specific commonality that I see with Signe and Paul (other than the obvious of course) is that they were both good parents. Their legacies go beyond the musical ones they left behind. My thoughts are of their children who just lost their parent. For you to lose to two musical partners and friends on the same day and then go out and play a gig must be very difficult to the say the least. I don’t think I personally would be up to it. God bless you my brother from another mother. God bless Paul, Signe and their loved ones. RIP
So sorry to hear. Can’t wait to see your show tonight
Jefferson Airplane Loves You
Holy crap! I didn’t see Corey’s post – three minutes before mine. What’s going on here?
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died the same day in 1826 – on July 4th, no less, 50 years to the day after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. I’ve never gotten over that – it almost seems made up, but it is absolutely true. Now here we are again (50 years, I might add).
Like JEFFERSON and Adams, who both died on the same day, July 4, 1826, in another 50th Anniversary year!
Volunteers of America!
Wow how bizarre is that that she went the same day as Paul …Jorma…. you ain’t in no hurry like you said . We got a lot more gigs to see you at before you go to the great gig in the sky
This is so sad to hear. I am sorry for your losses Jorma. Love and prayers to you and all of those directly affected by this.
Was sorry to hear this news today. It’s been a tough week. Looking forward to seeing you in SF in a couple of weeks. See you then, my friend.
So sorry, Brother…my thoughts and prayers are with you. -Chuck
Rock Them Thy High Rock Tonight Jorma!
Many thoughts best unexpressed come to mind.
Godspeed Signe.
The rest of us should hold together in love and stronger than ever before.
Jefferson Airplane has loved us from the start, and we have loved you back. We love you back.
Hang tight and hang loose.
Hold fast to that which is good.
Again, sad news, Jorma! Very sorry to hear about Signe! Deepest sympathies and condolences to you, Jack, Grace and Marty, your families and Signe’s family! May she and Paul join the baby others and sing sweet songs together on the next plane!