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Kantner had health problems as of late and had a heart attack earlier this week.

As a member of Jefferson Airplane, Kantner was a leader in what became known as the San Francisco sound in the '60s.

He was born in San Francisco on March 17, 1941.

The band is known for hits such as "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit."

Kantner also founded the splinter group Jefferson Starship in 1974.

Paul Kantner is survived by three children: daughter China and sons Gareth and Alexander.

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A native of Columbus and a fine arts graduate of Clark Atlanta, Amy Sherald was chosen as the official portrait artist of former first lady Michelle Obama. On the same week that the portrait was unveiled at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery, it was also announced that Sherald was awarded the High Museum's 2018 David C. Driskell Prize. (Andrew Harnik/AP)

Credit: Andrew Harnik