America

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning the infectious track "America" by KBC Band from their sole album, KBC Band, for all the Zoo Freaks out there. This 1986 anthem, with its catchy pop-rock vibe, carries a nostalgic charm that still resonates. One piece of trivia about "America" is its protest-driven lyrics, which echo the political activism of its creators, particularly Paul Kantner, who was known for his outspoken views. The song’s references to the American dream and historical imagery, like “streets of gold,” were meant to evoke both pride and critique, though some fans on platforms like Amazon have noted that these references feel dated today. Despite this, Marty Balin’s soaring harmonies and high notes, as highlighted in a fan review, made the track a standout, earning it airplay on MTV back in the '80s and a spot in the Billboard Top 10 Album Rock chart.

Another tidbit comes from the song’s production, partially handled by John Boylan and Jim Gaines, who infused it with the quintessential '80s sound—think synth-heavy keyboards and saxophone riffs. Fans on Reddit have recently shared their love for its nostalgic pull, with one user posting in 2024 about its place in the '80s music scene. The song’s music video, though lesser-known, was a product of its time, featuring the band in a straightforward performance style typical of the era, as noted on Music Video Wiki. Interestingly, "America" was one of two singles from the album, alongside "It’s Not You, It’s Not Me," and its vinyl release in 1987 is still a collector’s item, as listed on Discogs.

The KBC Band, short for Kantner-Balin-Casady, was formed in 1985 by three former Jefferson Airplane members: Paul Kantner (guitar and vocals), Marty Balin (vocals and guitar), and Jack Casady (bass). Their story begins in the 1960s San Francisco psychedelic rock scene, where Jefferson Airplane soared as one of America’s greatest rock bands, blending folk, rock, and counterculture ethos. Kantner, born in San Francisco in 1941, was a visionary songwriter whose political edge shaped much of the band’s work. Balin, born in Cincinnati in 1942, brought soulful vocals that became the heart of hits like “Somebody to Love.” Casady, born in Washington, D.C., in 1944, was a bass virtuoso whose melodic lines anchored their sound. After Jefferson Airplane evolved into Jefferson Starship in the '70s, creative differences led to Kantner’s departure in 1984, taking the “Jefferson” name with him. This paved the way for KBC Band, a fresh collaboration that allowed the trio to explore a more pop-oriented sound while retaining their rock roots.

Joined by Mark “Slick” Aguilar (guitar), Keith Crossan (saxophone), Tim Gorman (keyboards), and Darrell Verdusco (drums), KBC Band was a short-lived but vibrant project. Their self-titled album, released in 1986, was a moderate success, but internal tensions, particularly Kantner’s frustration with Balin’s “difficult” behavior, led to the band’s dissolution by 1987, as Kantner shared in later interviews. Kantner’s brief trip to Nicaragua to investigate the Sandinista situation also halted their momentum. Despite this, the trio’s chemistry carried forward, as they reunited with Grace Slick and Jorma Kaukonen for a Jefferson Airplane reunion in 1989 and later reformed Jefferson Starship in 1992, with Balin rejoining in 1993.

While KBC Band doesn’t have an official website or active social media, their legacy lives through Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship’s platforms. Check out Jefferson Starship’s official website, Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates and tributes, as the band occasionally references their KBC era. Fan communities thrive online, with groups like the Jefferson Airplane Fans on Facebook, where enthusiasts share memories and rare photos of KBC Band’s brief but impactful run. Websites like AllMusic and Rate Your Music also serve as hubs for fans to explore the band’s discography and reviews.