Biography
Jimi Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, emerged from a challenging childhood marked by poverty and family instability. After his father renamed him James Marshall Hendrix, Jimi found solace in music, teaching himself guitar and drawing inspiration from blues and rock records. By his teens, he was performing with local bands, and after a brief stint in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper, he began working as a session musician, backing artists such as Little Richard, the Isley Brothers, and Sam Cooke.
Hendrix's career took a dramatic turn after he moved to New York City and formed his own group, Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, performing in Greenwich Village. Discovered by Chas Chandler of The Animals, Hendrix relocated to London in 1966, where he formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience with Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell. His innovative guitar techniques, including feedback, distortion, and wah-wah effects, redefined electric guitar playing. Hendrix's fusion of psychedelic rock, blues, and R&B, exemplified in albums like 'Are You Experienced' and 'Electric Ladyland,' made him a global icon. His legendary performances at Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock cemented his status as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
Despite a career that lasted only four years at the top, Hendrix's impact on music is profound. He died in London on September 18, 1970, at the age of 27, but his recordings and revolutionary approach to the guitar continue to inspire generations of artists and listeners.
Fun Facts
- Hendrix was left-handed but played a right-handed guitar flipped upside down and restrung.
- He famously played the U.S. national anthem at Woodstock in 1969, using feedback and distortion to mimic the sounds of war.
- Before his solo fame, Hendrix worked as a backing guitarist for artists like Little Richard and the Isley Brothers.
- He won first prize at the Apollo Theater amateur contest in Harlem in 1964.
Associated Acts
- Little Richard Show (1964–1964)
- Curtis Knight and The Squires (1965–1966)
- The Jimi Hendrix Experience - eponymous, guitar, lead vocals, original (1966–1969-06)
- Band of Gypsys - original
- Gypsy Sun and Rainbows - original
- Johnny Jones & The King Casuals
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Muddy Waters - Blues legend whose records inspired Hendrix to teach himself guitar (General influence from Waters' blues recordings) [1950s]
- B.B. King - Hendrix played backup guitar for King early in his career, absorbing blues phrasing and stagecraft (Live performances as a session musician) [Early 1960s]
Key Collaborators
- Noel Redding - Bassist for The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold as Love, Electric Ladyland) [1966–1969]
- Mitch Mitchell - Drummer for The Jimi Hendrix Experience (Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold as Love, Electric Ladyland) [1966–1970]
- Billy Cox - Longtime friend and bassist in Band of Gypsys and other late Hendrix projects (Band of Gypsys album, live performances) [1969–1970]
- Chas Chandler - Manager and producer who discovered Hendrix and brought him to London (Production on early Experience albums) [1966–1968]
Artists Influenced
- Stevie Ray Vaughan - Blues-rock guitarist deeply inspired by Hendrix's style and repertoire (Covers of 'Voodoo Child (Slight Return)', 'Little Wing') [1980s]
- Prince - Adopted Hendrix's flamboyant guitar techniques and showmanship (Live performances, guitar solos) [1980s–2010s]
- Eddie Van Halen - Cited Hendrix as a primary influence on his innovative guitar playing (Van Halen's guitar work) [1970s–1980s]
- John Mayer - Frequently references Hendrix's influence on his blues-rock guitar style (Live covers, guitar technique) [2000s–present]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Ladyland | 1968-10-25 | Album |
| Are You Experienced | 1967-05-12 | Album |
| Axis: Bold As Love | 1967-12-01 | Album |
| Rattle And Hum | 1988-10-10 | Album |
| Both Sides of the Sky | 2018-03-09 | Album |
| Are You Experienced | 1967-05-12 | Album |
| People, Hell & Angels | 2013 | Album |
| The Cry of Love | 1971 | Album |
| Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision | 2024-10-04 | Album |
| Rainbow Bridge | 1971 | Album |
| Songs For Groovy Children: The Fillmore East Concerts | 2019-11-22 | Album |
| Live at Woodstock | 1999-07-06 | Album |
| Live At Monterey | 2010-01-01 | Album |
| Band Of Gypsys (50th Anniversary / Live) | 1970 | Album |
| Live In Maui | 2020-11-20 | Album |
Top Tracks
- All Along the Watchtower (Electric Ladyland)
- Purple Haze (Are You Experienced)
- Little Wing (Axis: Bold As Love)
- Hey Joe (Are You Experienced)
- Voodoo Child (Slight Return) (Electric Ladyland)
- The Wind Cries Mary (Are You Experienced)
- Foxey Lady (Are You Experienced)
- Castles Made of Sand (Axis: Bold As Love)
- Crosstown Traffic (Electric Ladyland)
- Red House (Are You Experienced)
External Links
Tags: #27-club, #60's, #acid-rock
References
Heard on WWOZ
jimi hendrix has been played 5 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 11, 2025 | 22:10 | Star Spangled Bannerfrom Live at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, August 18, 1969 | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady | |
| Nov 27, 2025 | 22:03 | Crying Blue Rainfrom Valleys Of Neptune | Kitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady | |
| Nov 24, 2025 | 15:05 | GYPSY EYESfrom ELECTRIC LADYLAND | Blues Eclecticw/ Andrew Grafe | |
| Nov 21, 2025 | 20:07 | Over The Rainbow | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold | |
| Oct 24, 2025 | 19:13 | voodoo chile blues | Music of Mass Distractionw/ Black Mold |