Jimi Hendrix

JIMI HENDRIX

Jimi   Hendrix born Johnny Allen Hendrix, changed his name to James Marshall

Hendrix. He was born November 27, 1942 and died on September 18, 1970. He is widely

considered to be the greatest guitarist in the history of rock and roll. He also one of the

most important and influential musicians of his era across a range of genres of music. For

the reason that his life was so influential this is why I have decided to break his life down

into three separate parts to be discussed throughout this paper. The first era of his life I

will discuss is his early life and life before his record deal and commercial success. The

second part will be the time he spent recording, touring, and traveling. Basically the time

most would consider the climax of his life. And finally I will discuss the effects of his

music after his death occurred.

When Hendrix was a young boy his fathered was stationed at an army base in

Oklahoma. On his release from the Army he changed his son’s name from Johnny Allen to

James Marshall. He changed Hendrix name in remembrance of his deceased brother.

Hendrix had 4 siblings, two brothers and two sisters, but his two sisters were given up for

adoption by his mother because of financial hardships. At age 15 Hendrix’s mother died

and in the grief of his mother’s death is when he acquired his first acoustic guitar. This is

when he began to perfect his craft. Hendrix basically taught himself   to play the guitar by

watching other more experienced players and listening to old records. In the summer of

1959, his father bought him his first electric guitar, which opened up a whole new world

as far as music and guitar playing goes. After this occurred he soon began to play in local

acts in surrounding Seattle areas, and sometimes over the border in Vancouver. In may of

1961 he followed his father’s footsteps and enlisted in the army. His commanding officers... [continues]

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