Jimi Hendrix

A modern American electric blues guitar virtuoso, lyricist, and vocalist.

Born: November 27, 1942, Seattle, USA – Died: September 18, 1970, London, UK.

A self-taught guitarist, Hendrix started his musical journey supporting R&B legends like Ike and Tina Turner, Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, Little Richard, The Isley Brothers, and B.B. King. After being brought to London from New York by former Animals bassist Chas Chandler, Hendrix quickly rose to prominence as the brightest new star in the burgeoning progressive rock scene of the early '60s. Together with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell, he formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Following a seminal appearance at the Monterey Pop Festival, their debut album "Are You Experienced" was released in September 1967. The album, along with its 1968 follow-ups - "Axis: Bold As Love" and the blues-oriented "Electric Ladyland" - garnered Hendrix international recognition as a leading rock instrumentalist and pioneer of his generation. A 'greatest hits' compilation, "Smash Hits" (1969), and a concert memento from his historic Monterey appearance, "Otis Redding / Jimi Hendrix Experience at Monterey" (1970), were released before his premature death. A posthumous studio album, "The Cry Of Love," came out in January 1971, followed by the double album soundtrack for the documentary film "Jimi Hendrix" in June 1973.