2017 STARS Hall of Fame

Craig Chaquico

Grammy-nominated Solo Artist & Founding Member, Jefferson Starship/Starship
La Sierra HS

Sacramento native Craig Chaquico has built a legendary music career spanning five decades. A founding member and lead guitarist of Jefferson Starship and Starship (1973–1990), he co-wrote chart-topping hits like “Jane” and “Find Your Way Back.” He won Guitar Player Magazine’s Readers’ Poll for Best Pop Instrumental Guitarist and performed on iconic tracks such as “Miracles” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.”

In 1993, Chaquico launched a successful solo career in contemporary jazz and new age, debuting with Acoustic Highway, which topped Billboard’s New Age charts. His 1994 album Acoustic Planet earned him a Grammy nomination and featured the song “Just One World,” selected for NASA’s Space Ark. His work also earned recognition as a top-100 influential jazz guitarist.

Beyond performing, Craig designs instruments and supports music therapy initiatives. Today, he continues to tour, record, and innovate, blending classic rock, blues, and jazz into a timeless repertoire.