John Barbata was a drummer for such bands as The Turtles, Jefferson Airplane and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young.
- Died: May 8, 2024 (Who else died on May 8?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 79.
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John Barbata’s legacy
Barbata played drums in bands in high school in California before joining his first recording band, The Sentinals. Their surf rock instrumentals included the West Coast hit single, “Latin’ia.” More widespread stardom wasn’t far off, as he next joined The Turtles just in time to play on their No. 1 hit, “Happy Together.” He remained with The Turtles for several years, releasing further hits with the band, like “Elenore,” “She’d Rather Be with Me,” and “You Showed Me.” With The Turtles, Barbata had the chance to perform on major TV shows, such as “The Ed Sullivan Show,” “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour,” “The Johnny Carson Show,” and “American Bandstand.”
Barbata next joined Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. He drummed on the iconic protest song, “Ohio,” as well as touring and recording several albums with the band. He also worked with all four of the members in their individual solo projects, and he had a memorable story to tell about joining Neil Young for his 1973 tour that included the recording of the live album, “Time Fades Away.” Young’s drummer abruptly quit – or was fired, as some accounts of the story have it – and Young wanted Barbata to replace him. He contacted Barbata with so little notice, the drummer had to speed to the airport, where a plane was being held for him, and slide into the concert hall with just 20 minutes to spare for rehearsing songs he’d never played before. It was the same night they recorded the live album, with Barbata winging it on several of the tunes.
Next up for Barbata was a spot in Jefferson Airplane as they recorded their final album before becoming Jefferson Starship. He remained with the band in their new incarnation and played on LPs that included “Red Octopus,” which featured the hit single, “Miracles.” With Jefferson Starship, Barbata was on the cover of Rolling Stone in 1978. He also recorded with many other artists, such as Linda Ronstadt, The Everly Brothers, and The Byrds.
Notable quote
“Being a drummer is a great thing. It’s really physical because you’re using all your fours all the time, your feet and your hands; if you’re singing on top of it, it’s like you’re getting an inner high.” — from a 2014 interview for the Desert Sun
Tributes to John Barbata
Full obituary: Los Angeles Times
