Quick Facts
Purple Haze. Set his guitar on fire and reinvented what six strings could do.
Conversation Starters
Life Journey
Jimi Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix, was born to James Allen Ross Hendrix and Lucille Jeter in Seattle, Washington. He was later renamed John Allen Hendrix by his parents.
Jimi received his first acoustic guitar, a used one-stringed broomstick guitar, which he used to practice and develop his early musical skills.
Jimi began attending Garfield High School in Seattle, where he continued to develop his interest in music and played in local bands.
Jimi enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where he served in the 101st Airborne Division. He was eventually honorably discharged in 1962.
After leaving the army, Jimi moved to Nashville and formed a band called The Blue Flames, performing in local clubs and honing his skills as a guitarist and performer.
Jimi moved to New York City, where he played in various clubs and met Chas Chandler, who would become his manager and help launch his career in the United Kingdom.
In London, Jimi formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience with Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell. The band quickly gained popularity and released hit singles like 'Purple Haze' and 'Hey Joe'.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience performed at the Monterey Pop Festival, where Jimi's electrifying performance, including setting his guitar on fire, cemented his status as a rock icon.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience released their third and final studio album, 'Electric Ladyland,' which included the hit 'All Along the Watchtower' and solidified Hendrix's legacy as a musical innovator.
Jimi Hendrix headlined the Woodstock Festival, delivering a memorable and iconic performance that included his rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner,' which became a defining moment of the festival.
Jimi Hendrix died in London, England, from an accidental drug overdose. His death marked the end of a brilliant but brief career and left a lasting impact on the world of music.