Ask anyone young or old to name a famous guitarist and the chances are Jimi Hendrix will be the first one they choose. Regarded as a hugely influential musician, his notarised and much spoken about ability to make the electric guitar “speak” makes him a legend in today’s history books. He held a unique manner of playing which encompassed his fingers crawling all over the guitar making full use of the electric sound. Practically strangling the vibrato arm, Jimi took guitar playing into his own. As today’s guitarists have been influenced by Jimi it cannot be said that he was the original pioneer. He himself was inspired by the likes of BB King, Curtis Mayfield and Buddy Holly whom he listened to intently. His talent led him to become a session guitarist for many famous artistes, Ike and Tina Turner to mention a few. He came into his own though with his band, Jimmy James and the Blue Flames playing lead guitar. In 1966 Jimi formed Jimi Hendrex Experience releasing “Hey Jo” as a debut track which remained in the UK charts for ten weeks.

As a follow up, an album was released, Are You Experienced featured an eclectic compilation of psychedelic sounds. This album itself is one of the most popular rock albums of all time and features in the music collection of most people, some not even actual Jimi Hendrix fans. Despite success in Britain it was not until he played Wild Thing at the Monterey International Pop Festival that the Jimi Hendrix Experienced exploded into America. Headlining at Woodstock in 1969 he commanded awe inspiring attention from crowds by just playing his guitar. His stage presence was also unique, where he had incorporated his musical influences from the other guitar greats he took his performing inspirations from the likes of Little Richard. Much can be said of performers these days but it cannot be denied that the likes of Prince and many others have been influenced by this great musician. Moving into producing Jimi experimented in the studio creating stereophonic and effects of phasing which were altogether never tried before. He was creative and not afraid to try something different but clearly had a predominant talent for recognising its likeability.

Jimi Hendrix had a much publicised love affair with drugs, more in particular LSD which is a mind altering drug and is widely known for a sense of and attachment to creativity. Whether this can be attributed to his musical creation may only touch on the surface as it was clear from a very young age Jimi had a natural talent. Many pictures see Jimi with a joint hanging conspicuously from his mouth which can only add fuel to the fire of his drug history. His unfortunate and possibly untimely death left many a question mark in the books of musical history. It has never been clarified as to the circumstances of his death albeit suicide, foul play or neglectful conduct of the emergency services but what does remain to be left behind is the legacy of one of the most famous, talented and inspirational musicians to have ever lived. The Jimi Hendrix Experience will be carried throughout history for a very long time. Legends are historically etched into our learning and for as long as music is a part of our lives, so too will Jimi Hendrix.