Paul Kantner, one of the founders of 1960s band Jefferson Airplane, has died aged 74.

Jefferson Airplane were known for hits including "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit" and headlined the Woodstock festival in 1969.

Guitarist Kantner died of multiple organ failure following a heart attack, the San Francisco Chronicle quoted his publicist Cynthia Bowman as saying.

Kantner was generally considered the creative force of the band as he brought a new urgency to the folk scene from which he emerged.

He and Jefferson Airplane singer Grace Slick had a daughter together, whose birth inspired the song "A Child Is Coming."

Jefferson Airplane are due to receive a lifetime achievement Grammy this year.

The Recording Academy said in a statement: "The music community has lost a true icon, and we share our deepest condolences with Paul's family and friends, and those who had the privilege of collaborating with him."

The Doors wrote on Facebook: "Our condolences go out to the friends, family and fans of Paul Kantner of Jefferson Airplane on the news of his passing. Music would not be the same without the sounds of The Doors and Jefferson Airplane, which both contributed so heavily to the signature sound of the 60s and 70s."