Background
Born in Seattle, Washington in 1942, Hendrix got his first guitar at the age of 15 and began to practice and play constantly. After being expelled from high school and having a couple run-ins with the law, Hendrix decided to enlist in the Army - where he served for only a year before being discharged after showing no skills as a soldier. After brief stints in Tennessee and New York City, Hendrix was hired to play in the backing band of Little Richard.
The Experience
Under the direction of producer Chas Chandler, Hendrix went to London and formed a band with two English musicians, bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell, called The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The band went on to release three critically acclaimed albums that helped catapult Hendrix to super-stardom.
Band of Gypsys
After the breakup of The Experience and a legendary live performances at Woodstock, Hendrix formed the short-lived group Band of Gypsys with Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. The Band of Gypsys released one self-titled live album in 1970.
Death
On September 18, 1970, Jimi Hendrix died at his girlfriend's London apartment of Asphyxiation after choking on his own vomit.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience Albums
- 1967: Are You Experienced
- 1967: Axis: Bold as Love
- 1968: Electric Ladyland
References
Fast Facts
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Genre
Blues, Rock
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Birth name
Johnny Allen Hendrix
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Hometown
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Years active
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Guitar
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Was a member of the 101st Airborne Division
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Was discharged after breaking his ankle during a parachute jump
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Toured as a guitarist for the Isley Brothers, King Curtis and Little Richard
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Chas Chandler, bassist of The Animals, was Hendrix' manager and producer
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First single was a cover of "Hey Joe"
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Opened his own recording studio, Electric Lady Studios, in 1970
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His CD catalog sells approximately 1.2 million units worldwide every year
