Remembering Jimi Hendrix: A Brief Biography

Today we are remembering the legendary Jimi Hendrix, who would have been celebrating his 80th birthday today. 

James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix was born in Seattle, Washington to parents Lucille Jeter and James Allen "Al" Hendrix in 1942. He began learning guitar at age 15 after taking an interest in rock 'n' roll artists of the time such as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Elvis Presley. While enlisted in the army at age 19, he spent his free time listening to blues artists such as Jimmy Reed and Albert King, as well as listening to Bob Dylan's records repeatedly. He was discharged a year later and moved to Clarksville, Tennessee, where he and fellow serviceman Billy Cox formed their first band, The King Kasuals. He also got the idea to learn to play with his teeth around this time after seeing Butch Snipes perform that same trick back in Seattle. 

Hendrix in 1969 By David Redfern/Redferns (GettyImages) 

Hendrix worked with numerous bands and artists before going solo such as the Isley Brothers, Little Richard, Rosa Lee Brooks, Curtis Knight and the Squires, and Joey Dee and the Starliters. Eventually growing tired of the restrictions he felt as an R&B sideman, he moved to Greenwich Village, New York where he was offered a residency at Café Wha? and formed Jimmy James and the Blue Flames. He rejoined Curtis Knight and the Squires after leaving the band two years prior. In September of 1966, Hendrix was brought to London by former Animals bassist Chas Chandler, who expressed an interest in managing and producing artists. He was impressed by his rendition of Billy Roberts' "Hey Joe" at Cafe Wha? and began to recruit members for a band that would highlight Hendrix's talent. That band, the Experience, which consisted of Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums, became his most famous. They were active until 1969. Hendrix died on September 18, 1970 at the age of 27, making him one of the 27 club's most famous members.

Go blast some Hendrix today, y'all.