Rock Guitarist Jimi Hendrix

Play 'Jimi Meets Miles - Little Wing'

Jimi Hendrix, born James Marshall Hendrix on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of rock music (he's my Main Man!). Known for his innovative and revolutionary guitar techniques, Hendrix's brief but influential career has left an indelible mark on the music world. He was not only a virtuoso guitarist but also a skilled songwriter and performer who pushed the boundaries of what electric guitar music could be.

Jimi Hendrix Career Highlights

1966: Hendrix moves to London, where he forms The Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell. The band's debut single, "Hey Joe," becomes a hit in the UK.

1967: The Jimi Hendrix Experience releases their first album, "Are You Experienced," which includes hits like "Purple Haze" and "The Wind Cries Mary." The album is a massive success and establishes Hendrix as a major force in rock music.

1967: Hendrix performs at the Monterey Pop Festival, where he famously sets his guitar on fire, a moment that becomes one of the defining images of the 1960s rock era.

1968: The second album, "Axis: Bold as Love," is released, showcasing Hendrix's growing musical sophistication and experimentation.

1968: "Electric Ladyland," the third and final studio album by The Jimi Hendrix Experience, is released. The album features the hit "All Along the Watchtower," a cover of Bob Dylan's song, which becomes one of Hendrix's most iconic recordings.

1969: Hendrix performs at the Woodstock Festival, delivering a historic rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" that captures the zeitgeist of the era.

1970: The Jimi Hendrix Experience disbands, and Hendrix forms a new group called Band of Gypsys with Buddy Miles and Billy Cox. They release a live album, "Band of Gypsys," recorded at the Fillmore East.

September 18, 1970: Jimi Hendrix dies in London due to barbiturate-related asphyxia.

Jimi Hendrix Bands

The Jimi Hendrix Experience: The original band that brought Hendrix to fame, featuring Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums.
Band of Gypsys: A short-lived group with Buddy Miles on drums and Billy Cox on bass, focusing on a more funk and rhythm and blues-oriented sound.
Played with: several other bands as sideman including The Isley Brothers, Wilson Pickett, and Tina Turner

Jimi Hendrix Grammy Awards

Despite his influence and popularity, Hendrix did not win a Grammy during his lifetime – a disgrace. However, he received several posthumous Awards~

1992: Hendrix was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
1999: "Purple Haze" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
2000: "All Along the Watchtower" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Most Famous Jimi Hendrix Songs

"Purple Haze":
"All Along the Watchtower": A masterful cover of Bob Dylan's song, which Hendrix transformed into a rock classic.
"Hey Joe"

Quotes

When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace

Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens

Excuse me while I kiss the sky

Jimi Hendrix Scandal/Gossip/Trivia

Military Service: Before his music career took off, Hendrix enlisted in the U.S. Army and trained as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division.
Guitar Techniques: Hendrix was known for his use of feedback, distortion, and his innovative use of the wah-wah pedal, which influenced countless guitarists.
Drug Use: Hendrix's struggles with drug use contributed to his untimely death at the age of 27, joining the "27 Club" of musicians who died at that age (Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse.
Legacy: Hendrix's legacy continues to thrive, with numerous posthumous releases of his music and documentaries about his life and career.

Jimi Hendrix's career, though tragically short (just four years and three albums solo) revolutionized rock music and the way the electric guitar was played.