Jimi Hendrix

Date of Birth: November 27, 1942

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: September 18, 1970

Biography

James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Born on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, Hendrix is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music. His innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback, and controlled distortion created a new musical form. Hendrix’s mainstream career spanned only four years, but his impact on the music world is still felt today. He began playing guitar at the age of 15 and later enlisted in the U.S. Army, where he formed a band called The King Kasuals. After his discharge, Hendrix played in various backing bands, including those for Little Richard and the Isley Brothers, before moving to England in 1966. There, he formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience, which included members Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell. The group achieved fame with hits like “Hey Joe,” “Purple Haze,” and “The Wind Cries Mary.” Hendrix’s performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 and his rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock in 1969 are iconic moments in rock history. He released three successful studio albums with the Experience: “Are You Experienced,” “Axis: Bold as Love,” and “Electric Ladyland,” all of which are considered classics. Tragically, Hendrix’s life was cut short when he died on September 18, 1970, at the age of 27. Despite his brief career, Hendrix’s work continues to influence musicians across all genres.

5 Interesting Facts about Jimi Hendrix

1. Jimi Hendrix was left-handed but played a right-handed guitar flipped upside down.

2. He was awarded an honorary degree from Seattle Central Community College in 1968, despite having dropped out of high school.

3. Hendrix was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

4. His iconic performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock was improvised and became an anti-war anthem.

5. Hendrix’s song “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” was used as the entrance music for professional wrestler Hulk Hogan.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jimi Hendrix

1. “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.”

2. “Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens.”

3. “Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.”

4. “Excuse me while I kiss the sky.”

5. “I wish they’d had electric guitars in cotton fields back in the good old days. A whole lot of things would’ve been straightened out.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the time of his death, Jimi Hendrix’s estate was worth around $5 million. Adjusted for inflation, his highest net worth would be approximately $20 million today.