Jimi Hendrix

Born in Seattle, Washington, in 1942, Jimi Hendrix is perhaps the most revered American rock guitarist of all time. Blending traditional blues with elements of jazz, soul, and British avant-garde rock, Hendrix pushed his instrument to its very limits, redefining what it meant to play electric guitar.

Hendrix achieved a remarkable amount in his short career. One of the most influential musicians of the 1960s, he served as a paratrooper before receiving an honourable medical discharge. After honing his skills as the backing guitarist for Little Richard and The Isley Brothers, Hendrix was spotted by former Animals member Chas Chandler and, in 1966, was sent to England to form The Jimi Hendrix Experience alongside bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell.

His unconventional guitar style was warmly recieved, and it wasn’t long before Hendrix earned his first top ten single with ‘Hey Joe’. Original compositions ‘Purple Haze’ and ‘The Wind Cries Mary’ followed before the release of his 1967 debut album, ‘Are You Experienced?’ On hearing the guitarist’s work, Paul McCartney suggested that he be flown out to California to perform a set at the Monterey Pop Festival. His iconic set went down in history and remains one of the most essential rock performances of all time.

After relocating to the United States in 1968, Hendrix released his extraordinary double album ‘Electric Ladyland’. By this time, legal complications meant that the guitarist was struggling to keep on top of his tour bills. At the same time, his besotted audience was reluctant to accept his new style, forging a resentment which found an outlet in substance abuse. The guitarist set about resolving these various financial and artistic problems but sadly passed away from a barbiturates overdose on September 18th, 1970, just a month before Janis Joplin. He was 27.