Jimi Hendrix

Bertran Philander Ross Hendrix and Zenora "Nora" Rose Hendrix

Hendrix in Army

Jimi Hendrix experience 1968

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Jimi Hendrix 1967 uncropped

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

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London 003 Hendrix and Handel houses

Jimi Hendrix

James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Despite a brief mainstream career spanning 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.

Early Life

Hendrix was born in Seattle, Washington, to African American parents. He developed an interest in music at a young age, inspired by blues and rock and roll artists. Hendrix received his first guitar at the age of 15 and began playing in local bands.

Career

Early Career

Hendrix enlisted in the United States Army in 1961, but his military career was cut short due to an injury. After his discharge, he moved to Clarksville, Tennessee, and began playing on the Chitlin' Circuit, a series of venues that were safe and acceptable for African American musicians during the era of racial segregation.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience

In 1966, Hendrix moved to London, where he formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell. The band quickly gained popularity in the United Kingdom with hits such as "Hey Joe", "Purple Haze", and "The Wind Cries Mary". Their debut album, Are You Experienced, is considered one of the greatest rock albums of all time.

Later Career and Woodstock

Hendrix's performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, where he played a rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner", is one of the most iconic moments in rock history. He continued to release successful albums, including Axis: Bold as Love and Electric Ladyland.

Death

Hendrix died on September 18, 1970, in London, at the age of 27. The circumstances of his death have been the subject of speculation and controversy. He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Legacy

Hendrix's innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback, and controlled distortion created a new musical form. His influence extends beyond rock music to genres such as funk, hip hop, and jazz. He is remembered as a pioneer who expanded the possibilities of the electric guitar.

Discography

• Are You Experienced (1967)
• Axis: Bold as Love (1967)
• Electric Ladyland (1968)
• Band of Gypsys (1970)

Related Pages

• Jimi Hendrix Experience
• Woodstock Festival
• Electric guitar
• Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
• Blues

Categories

Jimi Hendrix
Birth name	Johnny Allen Hendrix
Born	(1942-11-27)November 27, 1942 Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Died	September 18, 1970(1970-09-18) (aged 27) London, England
Genres	Rock, blues, psychedelic rock
Occupation(s)	Musician, singer, songwriter
Years active	1963–1970
Labels	Track Records, Reprise Records, Polydor Records