Jimi Hendrix Bio
Born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942, Jimi Hendrix would squeeze a lot of living and a lot of guitar playing into his 27+ years. Today, 35 years after the accidental overdose of "reds" that killed him, he is still considered the greatest rock guitarist of all time.
Self-taught, Hendrix was influenced early on by blues legends like B.B. King and Robert Johnson. As a teenager, he played in some local bands in and around Seattle. After serving a couple years in the Air Force, he found work as a backup guitarist playing for artists like Sam Cooke, Little Richard, the Isley Brothers, Wilson Pickett, Jackie Wilson, The Impressions and King Curtis. He moved to New York City, gained a reputation for his innovative guitar playing, and came to the attention of Animal's bass player Chas Chandler. Chandler, who wanted to get into management, persuaded Hendrix to go to London where he would launch a career as a headline performer.¹
¹ Ace's Bio-Farm.
Jimi Hendrix Quotes
"Blues is easy to play, but hard to feel" ~ Jimi Hendrix
"It's funny how most people love the dead, once you're dead you're made for life." ~ Jimi Hendrix
"When I die, I want people to play my music, go wild and freak out and do anything they want to do." ~ Jimi Hendrix
"We have an obligation to protect Jimi's legacy and these unauthorized, inferior-quality CD releases confuse and disappoint his fans throughout the world. We will continue to make every effort to confront copyright infringement and piracy issues wherever and whenever possible." ~ Janie Hendrix, Jimi's half-sister, the President and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC
