Spencer Dryden

Dryden, c. 1970s

Spencer Charles Dryden (April 7, 1938 – January 11, 2005) was an American musician. He is best known as a drummer for Jefferson Airplane and New Riders of the Purple Sage. He also played with the Dinosaurs and the Ashes (later known as the Peanut Butter Conspiracy). He was added into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996.

Dryden was born in New York City. His father was actor and director Wheeler Dryden. He was also a nephew of British actor Charlie Chaplin. He was married three times and had three sons.

On January 11, 2005, Dryden died from metastasized colon cancer in Petaluma, California. He was 66.

Spencer Dryden Media

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  Dryden (far left) with Jefferson Airplane in 1967