John Barbata, the drummer on classic tunes by the Turtles, Jefferson Starship, and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, has died at the age of 79. A cause of death has not been made available. Barbata was born in New Jersey, but made his career as a drummer who helped define the California sound of the 60s and 70s. Barbata played on the Turtles’ chart-topping hit, “Happy Together,” and performed with the band on The Ed Sullivan Show. He joined Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young in 1969, playing on solo albums for the individual members as well, including Neil Young’s celebrated live album, Time Fades Away.
Jefferson Airplane paid tribute to Barbata on Instagram: “Back in ’72, during a hiatus for CSN&Y, David Crosby introduced John to the Airplane, who hired him instantly. You can hear John’s drumming skills on the band’s final studio album, Long John Silver, as well as the live album, Thirty Seconds Over Winterland. Rest in Peace, John.” (Rolling Stone)
