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Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970),
American guitarist, singer, and songwriter, who is considered one of the
greatest guitarists in rock music history. In 1970 Hendrix died at
the height of his fame.
James Marshall Hendrix was born in Seattle, Washington. He
began his short career by touring with a number of rhythm-and-blues shows from
1961 to 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, France, in 1966 and toured clubs on the European
continent and in England over the next two years.
The Experience 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. Hendrix’s 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. Even elite guitarists such as
Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend admired Hendrix’s
style and abilities.
Returning to the United States, the Experience appeared at
the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. Hendrix’s dramatic performance of the song
“Wild Thing” is documented in the film Monterey Pop (1969), and after the
concert he became a superstar. The movie Woodstock (1970) then recorded
his set in the 1969 Woodstock Festival. His version of “The Star
Spangled Banner”—the national anthem of the United States—in which he plucked
the guitar with his teeth, became legendary.
At age 27 Hendrix died in London after taking
barbiturates. His best-selling albums include Are You Experienced?
(1967), Axis: Bold As Love (1967), and Electric Ladyland
(1968). |
