Grace Slick: Lady Gaga Is Better Than Madonna

"The thing is about Gaga is that she does have a good voice and she does amazing stuff…for people, and for her fans," said Slick. "You know, a lot of people are having trouble [with self-esteem] -- the kids even more so today than when I was in my twenties…and she talks to her fans and she is good about being pleasant to them."

Slick added that the young singer has "a real good sense of entertainment," noting that she gets a kick out of her "wack-job outfits."

With regard to Gaga's concern with political and social causes, the flower-power icon said, "She's very kind of '60s in that sense, that she is observant of what's going on and she is putting her mouth where it is needed as far as taking on various issues."

Slick also addressed the fact that Gaga often is compared with another influential female music star who preceded her.

"People say, 'Well, it's an imitation of Madonna.' Yeah, but she sings better than Madonna," insisted Slick. "She's also, I think, a better dancer."

Slick was quick to suggest, however, that older artists should feel good about seeing younger ones eclipsing them.

"It's like when you have children, you hope that they can do a little better than you do," she maintained.