Jimi Hendrix transformed the genre of rock with virtuoso performances that have yet to be reproduced to this day. The late, legendary guitarist passed away on September 18, 1970, ending the arc of one of music’s brightest and most influential stars.
Johnny Allen Hendrix was born November 27, 1942 in Seattle, Washington, with his father later changing his name to James Marshall. Born to a teen mother, Hendrix’s childhood was a rough one, but there was music in his spirit from early on. According to accounts, Hendrix would strum a broom like a guitar, which inspired his father, Al, to buy his son an acoustic guitar at 16 and an electric one the following year.
Dropping out of high school, the largely self-taught Hendrix became adept at playing, studying rock and roll and blues groups before forming his own band, the Rocking Kings. In 1961, Hendrix joined the U.S. Army, but music remained his true passion. He was honorably discharged in 1962, and began performing under the moniker Jimmy James as a session musician for B.B. King, Sam Cooke, Little Richard and others.(READ MORE)
