Joey Covington

Joseph Edward Covington (born Joseph Edward Michno; June 27, 1945 – June 4, 2013) was an American drummer, best known for his involvements with Jefferson Airplane, Hot Tuna and Jefferson Starship.[edit]

The fans who keep the memory of Joey Covington alive do not gather under a single banner or chant a specific name. There is no "Covington Crew" or organized digital legion dedicated solely to the man behind the kit. Instead, his audience exists as a subset of the vast, sprawling communities surrounding Jefferson Airplane and Jefferson Starship, where appreciation for his steady hand on the drums is woven into the broader tapestry of 1970s rock history. These listeners do not perform unique rituals or fund billboard campaigns in his name; they simply turn the volume up on the tracks he helped shape. His legacy rests on the concrete reality of his contributions rather than mythological anecdotes or viral moments. He stepped into the spotlight when the band needed a new rhythm, replacing Spencer Dryden during a pivotal shift toward a more polished sound. He co-wrote the group's final hit single and helped forge the acoustic blues-rock identity of Hot Tuna alongside Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady. The most defining chapter of his story remains the sudden end: a single-car crash in Palm Springs that claimed his life at age 67, prompting immediate tributes from fellow musicians like Alvin Taylor and a gathering in Marin County featuring former bandmates. While the iFANN Global Fame Rankings have not yet collected data for him, his standing among those who study the era is secure. He bridged the gap between the psychedelic era and the hard rock transition of the early 1970s with a style that demanded respect.[edit]

A benefit concert organized by fellow drummer Alvin Taylor took place in Palm Springs in August 2013, to honor the life of the musician who had just passed away. The event celebrated Covington's energy and contributions to tracks like Long John Silver, serving as a final tribute from a community that had lost one of its most vital rhythmic forces. Just two months prior, the music world had been shaken when the American drummer died at the age of 67. On Tuesday, June 4, 2013, Covington was driving his coupe alone through Palm Springs, California. The vehicle left the road at a curve on South Belardo Road and struck a tree head-on.

Riverside County Coroner officials ruled the cause of death as trauma resulting from this single-vehicle automobile accident. No criminal charges or disputes arose regarding the circumstances, which were treated as a standard traffic fatality. Reaction to the news came swiftly from peers and institutions alike. The Official Jefferson Airplane Facebook page shared a video tribute highlighting his musicianship, while major outlets like Rolling Stone and Billboard covered the loss. Alvin Taylor reached out immediately to coordinate the memorial concert, ensuring the drummer's legacy received a public celebration before the year ended.[edit]