Jane

The Zoo Crew is spinning "Jane" by Jefferson Starship, a standout track from their 1979 album Freedom at Point Zero, and the Zoo Freaks are loving it! This fiery rock anthem, peaking at No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the Cash Box Top 100, marked a turning point for the band. Written by David Freiberg and Jim McPherson, with music contributions from Freiberg, McPherson, Paul Kantner, and Craig Chaquico, "Jane" was loosely inspired by an old flame of Freiberg’s—not actually named Jane—who remains his friend today. Freiberg originally envisioned a Rolling Stones-inspired baroque style, but Chaquico’s hard rock guitar riff gave it the punchy, AOR-defining edge that made it a classic rock radio staple. The song’s iconic 28-second guitar solo almost didn’t make it—management thought it was too long for radio, but Chaquico fought to keep it, arguing it was essential since the band laid back to let it shine. Producer Ron Nevison, known for work with Led Zeppelin, insisted on including it, a decision that helped "Jane" become a fan favorite, often played live by both Jefferson Starship and Starship lineups.

Another tidbit about "Jane" is its surprising pop culture footprint. It was featured in the 2009 video game Grand Theft Auto IV: The Lost and Damned and became the opening theme for the 2001 film Wet Hot American Summer, its Netflix prequel series, and even the 2023 comedy thriller Cocaine Bear, directed by Elizabeth Banks, who starred in the earlier film. A 2015 GQ article called it a "perfect, complex, trash-gem work of art," praising its performance while noting the lyrics’ simplicity as part of its dramatic charm. Freiberg explained the line “you’re playin’ a game you never can win” as referencing someone “running around,” adding a layer of emotional depth to the song’s driving energy. Posts on X from fans, like one from JustRockContent in April 2025, highlight how "Jane" bridged Jefferson Starship’s experimental ’70s sound with their pop-rock ’80s success, cementing its place in their live sets.

Jefferson Starship evolved from the legendary Jefferson Airplane, a San Francisco band formed in 1965 by Paul Kantner, Marty Balin, Jorma Kaukonen, Signe Anderson, Skip Spence, and Jack Casady. Known for psychedelic hits like "White Rabbit" and "Somebody to Love," Jefferson Airplane became a cornerstone of the hippie movement, playing at iconic festivals like Woodstock and Monterey Pop. By the early ’70s, lineup changes and internal tensions led Kantner to form a new project. In 1970, he recorded Blows Against the Empire, a sci-fi concept album credited to "Jefferson Starship," featuring members of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young and the Grateful Dead alongside Airplane’s Grace Slick. This marked the first use of the Jefferson Starship name. By 1974, with Jefferson Airplane winding down, Kantner, Slick, and David Freiberg officially launched Jefferson Starship, debuting with the album Dragon Fly. The band leaned into a more polished, melodic rock sound, setting the stage for hits like "Jane."

Jefferson Starship’s journey wasn’t without turbulence. The late ’70s saw the departure of key members like Marty Balin and Grace Slick, with Mickey Thomas joining as lead vocalist for Freedom at Point Zero. After Kantner’s exit in 1984, the band became simply Starship, scoring ’80s pop hits like "We Built This City." Despite the shifts, Jefferson Starship endured, with David Freiberg leading the current lineup after Kantner’s passing in 2016. Fans can stay connected through their official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where they share tour updates and nostalgia. For Zoo Freaks wanting more, fan communities thrive online, including the Jefferson Starship Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts discuss the band’s legacy. Fan sites like Starship Control offer deep dives into discographies and history, perfect for any die-hard listener tuning in to THE ZOO.