Image: rollingstone.com
There is no doubt that Jimi Hendrix is one of the legendary instrumentalists in the history of rock music who pioneered the way for others. Johnny Allen Hendrix or James Marshall Hendrix, better known as Jimi Hendrix, was born on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, USA, and the legend would have turned 83 this year. Celebrating the 84th birthday of the guitar legend and rock music artist, it is time to look back at the life of the singer, songwriter, and musician, which only spanned 27 years.
Music Career
Jimi’s life was not that polished at the beginning, and just like most legends, this rockstar had also gone through his fair share of struggles and hustle. He was often found riding in stolen cars, and the police caught him. He was given a choice of serving in prison or in the military, and Jimi chose the latter. However, the rigorous training and taunting broke something deeper in him, and he felt the urge to get into music.
- Leaving the Army and Joining Music
After getting discharged from the Army, Jimi and his bandmate Billy Cox decided to form a band called the King Kasuals. The band started with small gigs and soon enough they made their place to the heart of the R&B scenes which multiple shows in Nashville and gained much attention from the black communities and music lovers. In 1964, Jimi came up with the first recording of his life, which was a two-part single, called “Testify” that he recorded with the Isley Brothers. Later on, he hit the Billboard top chart by creating a fascinating instrumental version of the Don Covay song, “Mercy Mercy”.
- From R&B to Rock with UK Exposure
By 1966, Jimi was already struggling in the R&B circuit for low wages, and he was making connections by rejoining Curtis Knight and the Squires. He met Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards at the Cheetah Club in New York, and it can be considered his introduction to the rock music scene. Keith referred him to Chas Chandler, the bassist of The Animals, and a new formation took place, which was known as The Jimi Hendrix Experience. He became the main man with his impeccable guitar skills and an unwavering persona that oozed confidence and passion.
- Breakthrough and Stardom
Jimi made a breakthrough with UK success and released three iconic albums that pushed all the boundaries. He dropped ‘Are You Experienced’ in 1967 with offered the smash hit singles like “Purple Haze” and “Hey Joe” that captivated audiences. ‘Axis: Bold as Love’ was also released in the same year, depicting his songwriting skills and experimental style. The double album in 1968, ‘Electric Ladyland ’, was another success with the hit “All Along the Watchtower.” The American fans were blown away with Jimi’s performances and when he set his guitar on fire at the Monterey Pop Festival.
- Woodstock Icon with Funky Direction
The breakup of the Experience also took place soon after, with conflicts between Jimi and Redding. Hendrix had issues with alcoholism and drug abuse, which affected his work ethic with the band; he had no choice but to leave the band. He headlined the Woodstock Festival with a temporary band and became an icon in 1969. Soon in 1970, he formed the all-Black trio band featuring Billy Cox and Buddy Miles, called the Band of Gypsys, where he shifted towards a funkier sound.
Discography
Since Jimi lived a very short life with many ups and downs, he could only release four studio albums, namely, ‘Are You Experienced (1967)’, ‘Axis: Bold as Love (1967)’, ‘Electric Ladyland (1968)’, and ‘Band of Gypsys (1970)’.
During his 27 years of life, Hendrix performed in multiple charity concerts, and after his death, many posthumous charitable foundations have been formed in his name. It is certain that Jimi Hendrix had a lot more to offer to heal the world.
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