John Barbata

John inspired me musically tremendously with his recordings and performances with Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship!

I first met John at San Luis Obispo H.S. in the early 60's when he had just moved from Nutley, N.J. Another friend, Tom Nunes, and I had started playing guitars together and would soon form the Sentinals band with other guys from the area. John was playing in the H.S. band and we recruited him to replace our existing drummer as his talent was apparent even then. During the early years we played all over the Central Coast area and Southern California as the surf craze was popular. In 1961 we recorded our first single (Latinia) and the following summer planned a national tour to promote the record. Our manager at the time was Norman Knowles who had played sax with the Revels (had a national hit in1959 with Church Key). We regularly played at the old surf venue, the Rendezvous Ballroom (Dick Dale's regular handout), in Balboa Beach and we started the 62 tour from there playing three nights before heading out. All six of us piled into Norman's 1960 Ford station wagon and pulled a trailer with all our equipment as we were strictly low budget. That summer was pure magic and John was such a cut-up and a hoot to travel with. I joined the Air Force in the fall of 62 but followed John's career and saw him over the following years either at concerts or H.S. reunions where we reformed the Sentinals to play. When Angie and he moved to Ada, Ok, after his car accident, I visited him and he'd occasionally stay at my home when in Dallas to promote his book. John became a 'born again' Christian later in life and I know that he's now in the presence of Jesus and a member of heaven's all-star band. Save a place for me John as I'll be seeing you soon.

My condolences.

The first concert I ever saw was the Turtles. Not only did they put on a great show , the drummer did a drum solo which blew me away. It was John. Rock in Peace buddy love Kevin

RIP Mr.John