Jimi Hendrix was one of the sixties and seventies most well known rock legends. Formerly in a band known as Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, he discovered his talent for the guitar and went solo. He started playing guitar after his mother's death at the age of fifteen as an outlet for his emotions. One of the first black guitarists of his time, he was well renowned and has paved the way for many artists of our day and time. Famous for such songs as Hey Joe, Purple Haze, and his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner at Woodstock in 1969, he is yet to be forgotten and still remains a favorite of young and old alike. In this paper, I will cover his beginnings and childhood, career, and death. .
Jimi Hendrix born as James Marshall Hendrix in Seattle, Washington, on November 27, 1942. Born into a family of African, European, Cherokee Indian and Spanish roots, he had a very diverse background. Having an unsettled home life, he spent most of his life living with his grandma, a full blooded Cherokee Indian. His mother died at the age of fifteen, which was when Jimi took a serious interest in music. He got his first electric guitar, a Fender Stratocaster (which was right-handed guitar when he was left-handed) when he was twelve years old, and not having enough money for lessons, he was self taught. After graduating High School, he went into the service to be a paratrooper in the 101ST airborne division. He was discharged after he broke his right ankle. It was during his discharge period that he met Billy Cox, the man that would start him out on his career and that he would collaborate with frequently in his career. .
Together, Cox and Hendrix formed a band called the King Kasuals, but they were not successful and broke up soon after forming. It was after that that he met Little Richard and recorded with him that his career then skyrocketed. He was introduced to Mike Jeffreys, Noel Redding, and John Mitchell and they formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience.