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Jimi Hendrix

•  Widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time… a very unique performer

•  Only an international superstar for FOUR years •  Played guitar upside down or around the back •  Influences: Muddy Water

B.B. King Curtis Mayfield

•  Used many guitar effects like…?

Early Life

•  Born in Seattle in 1942 •  Father away with the military •  Mother abandoned him when he was 10 •  Began teaching himself guitar at age 15

Time in the Army

•  Twice busted for riding in stolen vehicles

•  Given the choice of jail time or joining the army, he chose the army

•  Parachuter! •  Discharged for “homosexual

tendencies”

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Guitar Career

•  Started playing in mediocre local cover bands •  Kicked out of soon for too much ad-libbing •  In 1964, began playing with more popular acts

such as Little Richard

Experience with LSD

•  Hendrix began trying acid around 1962 •  Heavily influenced a change in his life •  Noticeably different fashion style, musical

compositions, and lyrics

The Jimi Hendrix Experience

•  After Chas Chandler heard them at Café Wha?....

•  Moved to England in search of popularity •  Eventually formed a trio •  Hendrix – Guitar •  Noel Redding – Bass •  Mitch Mitchell – Drums •  Sgt. Pepper’s cover

After the Experience

•  1967: Monterey Pop Festival… burned his guitar

•  1969: Woodstock – Rendition of SSB

•  1970: death… Most likely cause was an

overdose of sleeping pills while intoxicated