Craig Chaquico

Craig Chaquico has transitioned from lead guitarist for platinum-selling rock bands to a Grammy-nominated acoustic jazz artist. After contributing to Paul Kantner and Grace Slick’s albums Sunfighter (1971) and Baron von Tollbooth & The Chrome Nun (1973), Craig Chaquico cemented his status as a lead guitarist for platinum-selling rock bands before embarking on a Grammy-nominated career as an acoustic jazz artist. His early recording career also included Grace Slick’s solo album Manhole (1973). In 1974, Chaquico joined Jefferson Starship as their lead guitarist, contributing to nine platinum and gold-selling albums released between 1974 and 1984, including the double-platinum certified Red Octopus.

Chaquico’s songwriting contributions were notable, co-writing tracks such as ‘Jane’ and ‘Find Your Way Back.’ In 1985, following a legal name change, the band reformed as Starship, where Chaquico achieved significant chart success. With Starship, he produced three No. 1 radio hits: ‘We Built This City,’ ‘Sara,’ and ‘Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now’ between 1984 and 1986. During this period, he appeared in numerous MTV videos and performed at the inaugural MTV Spring Break in 1986.

A track from this album, ‘Just One World,’ was uniquely launched into space as part of NASA’s Space Ark program. Chaquico’s influence in the jazz world has been widely acknowledged, with Jazziz Magazine naming him one of the 100 most influential jazz guitarists of all time. He was also honored as Best Pop Instrumental Guitarist in Guitar Player magazine’s 1997 Readers’ Poll. By 2003, his extensive catalog had surpassed one million units shipped.

Beyond his musical achievements, Chaquico is a dedicated advocate for music therapy, actively providing instruments to patients in hospitals and collaborating with organizations such as the American Music Therapy Association and Memory and Music, after experiencing its healing benefits firsthand.