Temporary like Achilles: July 2025

Jorma Kaukonen – A Lifelong Musical Legend to Me

While most of my friends were swept up in the wave of punk and new wave bands during the late ’70s and early ’80s, I was immersed in something very different – the extraordinary guitar work and soulful voice of Jorma Kaukonen. To me, Jorma isn’t just a musician; he’s a legend whose artistry has continually evolved, creating a body of work that stands apart from any trend or era.

I first discovered Jorma through Jefferson Airplane, where his distinctive fingerstyle guitar and bluesy influence gave the band an edge that set them apart from other psychedelic rock acts of the time. But it was his side projects – particularly Hot Tuna, formed with Jack Casady – that truly captivated me. Hot Tuna started as an acoustic blues project but transformed into a hard-driving electric band while never losing the heart and soul of its roots.

Over the years, I followed Jorma’s recordings meticulously – from his solo albums like Quah (a personal favorite, with its hauntingly beautiful mix of folk and blues), to his numerous collaborations with musicians who shared his love of American roots music. Every record seemed to offer a new dimension of his craft, blending storytelling with intricate guitar work that no one else could quite replicate.

Even after Jefferson Airplane’s heyday, Jorma remained as creative as ever, continuing to explore traditional blues, folk, and Americana while running his Fur Peace Ranch guitar camp, inspiring countless musicians. He never chased trends or tried to fit into the mainstream – and that’s one of the reasons his music continues to resonate with me to this day.

While others were following the newest bands and the flash of the moment, I found myself diving deeper into Jorma’s catalogue. He reminded me that true artistry isn’t about following the crowd but about carving out a sound and voice that is entirely your own.

For me, Jorma Kaukonen will always be a musical hero – a masterful guitarist, a passionate storyteller, and a musician whose work continues to inspire.