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Craig Chaquico has transitioned from lead guitarist for platinum-selling rock bands to a Grammy-nominated acoustic jazz artist.
Craig Chaquico was the lead guitarist for Jefferson Starship, a rock band that released nine platinum and gold-selling albums between 1974 and 1984, including the double-platinum 'Red Octopus'. He also co-wrote several songs for the band.
Chaquico remained with the band after it rebranded from Jefferson Starship to Starship in 1985. During this period, the band recorded popular hits such as 'We Built This City,' 'Sara,' and 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now,' achieving three number one radio hits.
Craig Chaquico teamed up with Ann Roach of tuneworks.org to put on a special benefit concert at Thunder Valley Casino.
During the 1980s, Chaquico was sponsored by Carvin Guitars, frequently appearing on tour, in the studio, and in guitar magazine advertisements playing their V220 model or a koa doubleneck through Carvin amplifiers. Carvin later released a Craig Chaquico Signature acoustic guitar, which continued production under Kiesel Guitars.
Chaquico's song 'Just One World' from his 1994 album 'Acoustic Planet' was launched into space on a satellite as part of NASA's Space Ark program.
Chaquico collaborated with the National Association of Music Therapy, Beamz, Remo, and Washburn Guitars to provide instruments to patients in hospitals, emphasizing music's healing power.
Craig Chaquico, born on September 26, 1954, in Sacramento, California, developed an early passion for music. His parents, both musicians, encouraged his interest, and he received his first guitar at age ten. A pivotal moment occurred at age twelve when a severe car accident left him with multiple broken bones. Inspired by guitarist Les Paul’s recovery through playing guitar, Chaquico used music as therapy, strengthening his resolve and cementing his dedication to the instrument. His early career saw him performing in clubs as a teenager, eventually catching the attention of established musicians. His English teacher, Jack Traylor, introduced him to Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane.
Chaquico recorded with Paul Kantner and Grace Slick at the age of 16, contributing to their albums “Sunfighter” (1971) and “Baron von Tollbooth & the Chrome Nun” (1973), and Slick’s solo album “Manhole” (1973). In 1974, he joined Jefferson Starship as their lead guitarist. The band enjoyed significant success, releasing nine platinum and gold-selling albums between 1974 and 1984, including “Red Octopus,” which achieved double-platinum status. Chaquico contributed to songwriting, co-writing notable tracks such as “Jane” and “Find Your Way Back.” Following a name change and legal agreements, the band reformed as Starship in 1985, producing chart-topping hits like “We Built This City,” “Sara,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” Chaquico remained with Starship until 1990.
In 1993, Chaquico embarked on a solo career focusing on acoustic jazz. His debut solo album, “Acoustic Highway” (1993), topped the Billboard New Age Albums chart and was named the number one Independent New Age Album of the Year. His second album, “Acoustic Planet” (1994), also reached number one on the same chart and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best New Age Album. A track from “Acoustic Planet,” “Just One World,” was sent into space as part of NASA’s Space Ark program. Chaquico has been recognized as one of the 100 most influential jazz guitarists by Jazziz Magazine and was named Best Pop Instrumental Guitarist in Guitar Player magazine’s 1997 Readers’ Poll. He has also been involved in philanthropy, advocating for music therapy after experiencing its healing benefits firsthand, providing instruments to patients in hospitals, and working with organizations like the American Music Therapy Association and Memory and Music.
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