Jimi Hendrix

Hendrix, Jimi (1942-1970), American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter, considered one of the best guitarists in rock music, and who died at the height of his fame in 1970. Born in Seattle, Washington state, he was originally called Johnny Allen Hendrix but was later renamed James Marshall Hendrix by his father. Hendrix began his short career by touring with a number of rhythm-and-blues shows (1961-1966). In 1966 Hendrix moved to England and founded the Jimi Hendrix Experience, a trio that included Mitch Mitchell and Noel Redding. The group made its debut appearance in Paris (1966) and toured clubs on the European continent and England (1966-1967). The trio was an immediate hit, and its singles “Hey, Joe”, “Purple Haze”, and “The Wind Cries Mary” rose to the top of the pop charts in England.

Returning to the United States, Hendrix appeared at the Monterey Festival (1967), where he performed “Wild Thing”—a performance documented in the film Monterey Pop (1969). The film Woodstock (1970), in turn, recorded his participation in the now-famous 1969 music festival. His eroticized style, with suggestive gyrations, a pulsating beat, a strongly amplified sound, and the smashing of his guitar made his appearances controversial but extremely popular. His version of “The Star Spangled Banner”, in which he plucked the guitar with his teeth, became legendary. He died in London of a drug overdose at the height of his fame. His best-selling albums include Are You Experienced? (1967), Axis Bold As Love (1967), and Electric Ladyland (1968).