Rememebring Jimi Hendrix 50 years after his death

Rock n Roll God Jimi Hendrix was a mere 27 years old who died from asphyxiation from barbiturate intoxication. The Seattle native took the world by storm with his iconic guitar playing playing that rocks stars today will never compare to . His music and legacy is still being lived on today by fans, friends, and other musicians such as Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney, and Mick Jagger.

Born Johnny Allen Hendrix (changed to James Marshall Hendrix by his father) , Jimi always had a love for rock, jazz and blues music. His influences growing up were Muddy Waters, B.B King, Albert King, and Howlin’ Wolf. Hendrix’s first guitar was a mop with strings attached to them when he was a little boy. Getting in and out of trouble as a young teen, Jimi joined the U.S Army to avoid jail time for riding in stolen cars. During his short time at the 101st Airborne Division stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, Jimi met Billy Cox who would eventually be a part of Hendrix's Band of Gyps in the near future. The two bonded over similar music taste and their dislike for the military. In 1961, Hendrix was honorably discharged from the Army and thus, his music career began.

Hendrix spent some time touring as a back guitarist for artists such as the Isley Brothers, Sam Cooke, Ike & Tine Turner, and notably Little Richard.

He also performed in small venues across the south known as the Chitlin Circuit. Jimi's need for exposure caused him to leave the backup life and be in the spotlight. Jimi moved to London in late 1966 to see if he could get his big break across the pond. He eventually met bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mithell and formed the group The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

The group released 3 albums together, Are You Experienced and Axis: Bold as Love in 1967, and Electric Ladyland in 1968. They received international success in both the UK and the US with all three albums charting in the top 10.During their time together, Jimi gave the world some very memorable performances. One being at the Monterey Pop Festival where he burned his guitar on stage. In 1969, the group broke up and Jimi was left to come up with another master plan. To gain more black audiences, Hendrix created Band of Gyps in late 1969, an all-black rock band that started in New York City. The group featured Jimi on guitar, Billy Cox on bass, and Buddy Miles on drums.

Before they could reach any type of success, Jimi passed away on Sept. 18, 1970 in London, England. The world was shocked by the loss of a legend so soon and so young. Jimi is said to be a part of the 27 Club, which also has artists such as Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain and Amy Winehouse who all died at the age of 27.

Jimi Hendrix paved the way for so many artists in the music world. His sound and artistic style is why so many people relate to him. He took over a genre that was only meant for “white people” and broke those barriers by being the black rock star that people needed. Hendrix is by far the greatest guitar player to have ever graced the planet earth. Rest in Peace to the original Guitar Hero.

Here’s a clip of his famous “The Star-Spangled Banner” performance at Woodstock in 1969:

Jimi Hendrix - The Star-Spangled Banner