Jimi Hendrix

Bertran Philander Ross Hendrix and Zenora "Nora" Rose Hendrix

Hendrix in Army

Jimi Hendrix experience 1968

Jimi Hendrix 1967 uncropped

File:Banks Hendrix.jpg

Banks Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix burning his guitar at the Monterey Pop Festival, June 18, 1967

Jimi Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music, and one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music."

Early Life

Hendrix was born in Seattle, Washington, to African American parents Lucille and James Allen Hendrix. Growing up, Hendrix was deeply affected by his parents' turbulent marriage and subsequent divorce. His interest in music began at a young age, and he was particularly drawn to the blues and R&B music that he heard through his family's radio. At the age of 15, Hendrix acquired his first acoustic guitar, and a year later, he got his first electric guitar which he used to play along with his favorite records.

Career

Hendrix's professional music career began in the early 1960s, playing backup for touring soul and R&B acts like the Isley Brothers and Little Richard. He moved to New York City's Greenwich Village in 1966, where he was discovered by Chas Chandler, the former bassist of the Animals. Chandler convinced Hendrix to move to London, where he formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell. The band released their debut album, Are You Experienced, in 1967, which was an immediate critical and commercial success.

Hendrix quickly became famous for his innovative guitar playing, characterized by its use of feedback, distortion, and extended solos. He also made headlines for his flamboyant stage presence and the iconic moment at the Monterey Pop Festival where he set his guitar on fire.

Following the success of Are You Experienced, the Jimi Hendrix Experience released two more successful albums, Axis: Bold as Love (1967) and Electric Ladyland (1968). Hendrix also famously performed at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, delivering a legendary rendition of the U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner".

Death

Hendrix died on September 18, 1970, in London, under circumstances that have been widely speculated upon. The official cause of death was asphyxia while intoxicated with barbiturates. His death was a significant loss to the music world and left a void in the rock genre that is still felt today.

Legacy

Jimi Hendrix's influence on music, especially rock guitar, cannot be overstated. He expanded the range and vocabulary of the electric guitar into areas no musician had ever ventured before. His techniques and musical ideas are still studied by guitarists today. Hendrix was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Numerous recordings have been released posthumously, as Hendrix left behind a large collection of unreleased music.

See Also

• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Woodstock Festival
• The Jimi Hendrix Experience

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