Hot Tuna was an American blues band formed in 1969 as an offshoot of Jefferson Airplane, with whom they shared members Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady. Hot Tuna is known for their blend of blues, folk, rock, and jazz. They had a long and storied career spanning several decades.
How did Hot Tuna get started?
Hot Tuna began during an unplanned hiatus in Jefferson Airplane’s touring schedule in 1969. Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, the guitarist and bassist of Jefferson Airplane, decided to occupy their free time by playing acoustic blues music together. They soon invited Airplane drummer Joey Covington to join them and began performing live shows under the name “Hot Tuna.” Their self-titled debut album was released in 1970 showcasing their love of blues standards and featured Airplane singers Marty Balin and Grace Slick on a few tracks.
What was Hot Tuna’s musical style?
Hot Tuna specialized in playing American blues music, especially in the acoustic Piedmont blues style. Their repertoire drew heavily from classic acoustic blues artists like Rev. Gary Davis, Jelly Roll Morton, and Blind Blake. Over their first few albums in the early ’70s, they blended traditional blues covers with their own original material. As they progressed, they began experimenting in their sound by incorporating elements of rock, folk, funk, and jazz fusion.
How popular was Hot Tuna in the 1970s?
Hot Tuna gained a reputation in the early 70s as one of the leading interpreters and innovators of traditional acoustic blues. Their first two albums, Hot Tuna and First Pull Up, Then Pull Down, were commercially successful and are considered acoustic blues classics. As they shifted to an electric sound in the mid-70s, they began attracting more mainstream rock audiences. Albums like America’s Choice and Hoppkorv showcased their skill at combining hard rock with bluesy improvisation. They maintained a dedicated cult following and garnered praise from critics throughout the decade.
What changes to the band’s lineup occurred over the years?
Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady remained constant members as the foundation of Hot Tuna. The rest of the lineup shifted over the decades:
- Drums – Joey Covington (1969–1972), Sammy Piazza (1972–1973), Bob Steeler (1973–1978), Rick Jaeger (1978–1983)
- Vocals – Marty Balin (1969–1970), Grace Slick (1969–1970), Papa John Creach (1970–1972)
- Bass – Skoota Warner (1994-2010)
- Guitar – Michael Falzarano (1990–2003), Barry Mitterhoff (2002–present), G.E. Smith (2003–2010)
How many albums did they release over their career?
Hot Tuna released a total of 25 studio albums between 1970 and 2022. This includes:
- 14 studio albums 1970-1983 during their initial run
- A 14 year hiatus from 1984-1997 where they did not release any new material
- A comeback reunion album in 1997 called Splashdown Two
- 8 additional studio albums from 1999-2022 after reuniting
Some of their most acclaimed and memorable albums include their self-titled debut, Burgers, Hoppkorv, Splashdown Two, and Steady As She Goes.
How has Hot Tuna toured over the years?
Even during periods when Hot Tuna was not actively recording albums, they have toured consistently throughout the decades since forming in 1969. Their tours would alternate between acoustic and electric shows:
- 1970s – Extensive worldwide touring behind both acoustic and electric albums
- 1980s-1990s – Primarily smaller acoustic club tours as an acoustic trio/duo
- 2000s-2010s – Both acoustic and electric tours coinciding with new album releases
- 2010s-present – Annual acoustic tours, occasional festivals and short tours as a full electric band
In 2022, Hot Tuna continues to tour regularly as an acoustic trio/duo featuring Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady. They play a mix of blues standards, their classic material, and newer songs.
When were they inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?
Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 for their work with Jefferson Airplane in the 1960s. Hot Tuna itself has not been inducted, though they have been eligible since 1995 (25 years after their debut album). There have been campaigns by fans arguing that Hot Tuna deserves recognition for their immense influence as an innovative blues band.
Conclusion
Over 50+ years, Hot Tuna has cemented themselves as one of the most talented and respected American blues rock bands. They have showcased masterful musicianship and versatility, while keeping traditional acoustic blues at the core of their sound. From playing Woodstock in 1969 to their ongoing annual tours today, Hot Tuna’s legacy and influence lives on in their vast catalog of albums and reputation as powerful live performers.