Jimi Hendrix: A brief guide to the legendary guitarist

Get to know more about Jimi

Jimi Hendrix
Author: Emma DoddsPublished 24th Nov 2024

A lot of the artists we play on Absolute Radio have been incredibly influential in one way or another - but there are few who did more for rock music than the likes of Jimi Hendrix. We've taken a brief look at his life below and answered some of the Internet's biggest questions on the guitarist.

Here at Absolute Radio, we love to celebrate the artists on our playlist all year round - shining a special spotlight on the amazing artists you hear on our station. Here, we take a look at the incredible career of the honourable Jimi Hendrix.

When was Jimi Hendrix born?

Jimi Hendrix was born on 27th November 1942 in Seattle. He was originally named Johnny, but his parents changed his name to James in 1946 after his father, who went by 'Al', as his middle name was Allen. Jimi's mother was Lucille Jeter. Years on from his tragic passing, many fans wonder how old Jimi Hendrix would be today - and that would be 82-years-old.

He had five siblings, one of whom is Leon Hendrix, an artist who released a biography about Jimi in 2012 entitled Jimi Hendrix: A Brother's Story.

How did Jimi Hendrix learn guitar?

Whilst in elementary school, a social worker noticed that Jimi would carry a broom around with him, playing air-guitar on it in front of the other children. She requested school funding for underprivileged children, but was refused.

When he was 14, Jimi was on a job with his dad and found an old ukelele with one string whilst clearing out an elderly woman's house. She let him have it, and Jimi began to learn how to play by ear, playing just one note on songs like 'Hound Dog' by Elvis Presley.

At 15, Jimi bought his first acoustic guitar for $5, practising for hours every day. He began jamming with friend Sammy Drain, and a year later met guitarist Billy Davis at a concert, who went on to show him various techniques on the guitar and got him a gig with a band.

Shortly after this, Jimi formed his first band - the Velvetones - but couldn't be heard on his acoustic over the other instruments, and convinced his father to buy him an electric guitar... And the rest is history.

Which guitar did Jimi Hendrix play?

Jimi's first electric guitar was a white Supro Ozark, but after it was stolen, his father replaced it with a red Silvertone Danelectro. However, Jimi was most well-known for his Fender Stratocaster, describing it as "the best all-around guitar for the stuff we're doing."

Was Jimi Hendrix left-handed?

Jimi was well-known for playing right-handed guitars upside down and restrung for the left hand. Many wonder whether Jimi used a pick, and he can be seen using picks in a lot of pictures.

Who influenced Jimi Hendrix?

Jimi was thought to be influenced by the likes of Elvis Presley, Little Richard and Chuck Berry, and he told Guitar Player magazine that Muddy Waters, Elmore James, and B.B. King inspired him at the start of his career.

Jimi has also been cited as an influence by Prince, John Frusciante from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, as well as Mike McCready and Stone Gossard of Pearl Jam. Other artists who have taken inspiration from Jimi are Ace Frehley of Kiss, Metallica's Kirk Hammett, Brad Whitford of Aerosmith and rock guitarist Joe Satriani.

Was Jimi Hendrix in the army?

Jimi was in the US Army, having enlisted in 1961 as a preferable option to prison after being caught riding in stolen cars twice - but was discharged one year later, being granted a general discharge under honorable conditions.

Hendrix's platoon sergeant apparently filed a report which read, 'He has no interest whatsoever in the Army ... It is my opinion that Private Hendrix will never come up to the standards required of a soldier. I feel that the military service will benefit if he is discharged as soon as possible.'

Was Jimi Hendrix in a band?

Jimi performed as a backing guitarist for the Isley Brothers and Little Richard, and in 1966 started to record with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. He also briefly played in a group called Jimmy James and the Blue Flames, as well as Curtis Knight and the Squires and also Kings of Rhythm as a backing guitarist before Ike Turner fired him for his "elaborate" guitar solos.

Was Jimi Hendrix married?

Jimi was never married, but had a long-term relationship with Kathy Etchingham for three years in the 60s and she was thought to be something of a muse for Jimi. He later had a relationship with German figure skater Monika Danneman, and it was at her flat in Notting Hill Gate, London, that he passed away.

How did Jimi Hendrix die?

Jimi was pronounced dead on Friday 18th September 1970 at the age of just 27-years-old. Just before his death, Jimi had not been well - he was fatigued from work, was suffering from a chronic lack of sleep and some sort of influenza-type illness. The coroner returned an open verdict on his death, but he had taken nine sleeping tablets the night before and sadly died of asphyxia.

Jimi Hendrix's grave is at Greenwood Cemetery in Renton near Seattle - the same place as his mother.

Is Jimi Hendrix in The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame?

Jimi was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as part of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. The biography in the Hall of Fame for the band says, "Jimi Hendrix was arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music.

"Hendrix expanded the range and vocabulary of the electric guitar into areas no musician had ever ventured before. His boundless drive, technical ability and creative application of such effects as wah-wah and distortion forever transformed the sound of rock and roll."

Is there a Jimi Hendrix film?

There sure is - Jimi: All Is by My Side was released in 2013, starring Outkast's André 3000 as Jimi himself, with Hayley Atwell as Kathy Etchingham.

Jimi Hendrix's life in pictures:

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

The first of five children to James 'Al' Allen Hendrix and 17-year-old Lucille Hendrix, Johnny Allen Hendrix was born on 27th November 1942 in Seattle, Washington. When he was four in 1946 – a year after the above photo was taken – Johnny was renamed James 'Jimmy' Marshall Hendrix after his dad and Al's late brother Leon Marshall Hendrix. With Al unable to find steady work after World War II and both parents battling alcohol addiction, the young Jimi Hendrix had a turbulent and sometimes violent upbringing. Alongside his siblings Leon, Joseph, Kathy and Pamela, Hendrix spent a lot of time in and out of foster care; an experience he later admitted deeply affected him. In 1951 Al and Lucille divorced, with Al getting custody of Jimi and Leon.

Muddy Waters

Always displaying a keen interest in guitars, Jimi Hendrix found a ukele when he was helping Al out on a manual labour job in 1957 and quickly learned to play notes from 'Hound Dog' by Elvis Presley. However, it was when the 15-year-old Hendrix paid $5 for an acoustic guitar in 1958 that his playing truly took off, playing along to blues legends like Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Howlin' Wolf and Robert Johnson, and learning the eponymous theme tune to the TV show Peter Gunn. Pictured is Jimi's icon Muddy Waters.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Jimi Hendrix formed his first band the Velvetones in his teens and once he'd acquired an electric guitar, he joined a band calling the Rocking Kings. Following military service between 1961 and 1962, Hendrix moved to Clarksville, Tennessee and formed yet another band called the King Kasuals. It was in Tennessee that Hendrix witnessed Raleigh "Butch" Snipes of local band The Sharps perform with his teeth – not to be outdone, Hendrix set about learning Butch's trick. Pictured is Hendrix playing with his teeth in 1967.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

A proficient guitarist, Jimi Hendrix performed with an array of musicians in the early 1960s including Wilson Pickett, Slim Harpo, Sam Cooke, Ike & Tina Turner and Jackie Wilson. Most notably, he joined The Isley Brothers' backing band, the I.B. Specials, and pictured is Hendrix (far left) on stage with them at the Rockland Palace in Harlem, New York City, on 19th June 1964. After recording the single 'Testify' with The Isley Brothers, he left the band in October 1964 after getting tired of performing other peoples' songs night after night.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Briefly a member of Little Richard's ensemble band, Jimi Hendrix went on to join New York-based R&B band Curtis Knight and the Squires in 1965 and the following year earned his first composer credits for the instrumental tracks 'Hornets Nest' and 'Knock Yourself Out'. Tired of being a sideman, Hendrix relocated to Greenwich Village, New York in 1966 to embrace the blossoming music scene there.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Previously snubbed by Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham and producer Seymour Stein, Jimi Hendrix's phenomenal talents were spotted by Animals bassist Chas Chandler at Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village. Chandler invited Hendrix to London in September 1966 and signed him to a management and production contract with himself and ex-Animals manager Michael Jeffery. The rest, they say, is history.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Manager Chas Chandler persuaded Jimi Hendrix to change his stage name from Jimmy to 'Jimi' in an apparent bid to sound more exotic. Together they soon began forming Hendrix's band The Jimi Hendrix Experience, which alongside the eponymous frontman featured Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

The Jimi Hendrix Experience's first single, a cover of the rock standard 'Hey Joe', was released in December 1966 and peaked at number six on the UK singles chart. 'Purple Haze' followed in March 1967 and reached number three, while May 1967's 'The Wind Cries Mary' became their third Top 10 single peaking at number six and remaining on the chart for 11 weeks.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Together with taking the UK charts by storm, Jimi Hendrix was a wild and almost unparalleled talent in the live arena and was winning over fans across Europe with his virtuoso showmanship. Pictured is Jimi on stage in Hamburg in March 1967, two weeks before his infamous show at The Astoria, London where he set his guitar on fire onstage.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

The Jimi Hendrix Experience's debut album 'Are You Experienced' was released in the UK on 12th May 1967, while the North American edition with different artwork and track-listing landed three months later. An instant commercial success, the album sold more than one million copies worldwide in its first seven months of release and peaked at no.2 on the UK album chart having been held off the top spot by The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.' 53 years after its release, 'Are You Experienced' is rightfully regarded one of the greatest debut albums of all time.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

One of the defining performances of Jimi Hendrix's career was at the Monterey Pop Festival on 18th June 1967. The set culminated with Hendrix setting fire to his guitar and an image taken by a 17-year-old boy named Ed Caraeff has become entrenched in rock n' roll folklore. Rolling Stone later called it "one of rock's most perfect moments." Pictured is the gilt-metal necklace and enamel medallion worn by Hendrix on the day, which went under the hammer in 2005.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Here's another photo of Jimi Hendrix performing his Fender Stratocaster guitar (prior to its burning) at the Monterey International Pop Music Festival, on 18th June 1967 in Monterey, California.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

The second Jimi Hendrix Experience album 'Axis: Bold as Love' was released on 1st December 1967. The eye-catching artwork featured controversial Hindu religious iconography, and Hendrix voiced his disapproval at it saying it was released without his approval. Featuring the classic songs 'Spanish Castle Magic' and 'Little Wing', the album peaked at no.5 on the UK album chart and in 2020 Rolling Stone Magazine listed it as the 91st greatest album of all time.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Jimi Hendrix performing at Woburn Pop Festival in Bedfordshire on 6th July 1968. The set included a short cover of The Beatles' 'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.'

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Jimi Hendrix on stage with The Jimi Hendrix Experience in Germany in summer 1968.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

The Jimi Hendrix Experience's third and final studio album 'Electric Ladyland' was released on 16th October 1968. Featuring classic songs including 'Voodoo Chile' and the cover of Bob Dylan's 'All Along the Watchtower', the album is rightfully regarded as a masterpiece and in 2020 was named the 53rd greatest album of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. The original UK and European edition was adorned with a David Montgomery photograph of 19 naked women lounging against a black background. Pictured is the much tamer US cover.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Jimi Hendrix with his girlfriend Kathy Etchingham at her Mayfair apartment in January 1969. He briefly moved back into the Brook Street address with Etchingham after a six-month absence. Since 2016, the flat has been part of the Handel & Hendrix museum in London.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

The Jimi Hendrix Experience's Mitch Mitchell, Jimi Hendrix and Noel Redding performing on 'Happening For Lulu' TV Show on 4th January 1969. Hendrix ditched playing 'Hey Joe' midway through in favour of a cover of 'Sunshine of Your Love' in homage to Cream who split the previous year. The Jimi Hendrix Experience themselves disbanded in the summer of '69 after Noel Redding exited in somewhat acrimonious circumstances.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Jimi Hendrix on stage at London's world-famous Royal Albert Hall on 24th February 1969.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Allegedly the highest paid rock musician on the planet, Jimi Hendrix was very much the main event when he headlined Woodstock Music and Art Fair in August 1969. Flanked by a temporary band he dubbed Gypsy Suns and Rainbows (which included Mitch Mitchell and Billy Cox), Jimi Hendrix took to the stage at 8am on the Monday morning and the 18-song set culminated with 'Hey Joe' and featured his legendary rendition of 'The Star-Spangled Banner.' Undoubtedly, one of the defining moments in rock history.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Together with bassist Billy Cox and R&B drummer Buddy Miles, Jimi Hendrix formed a new band in autumn 1969. Referred to as the Band of Gypsys, the trio's show at the Fillmore East in New York City on 1st January 1970 was immortalised two months later as the live album 'Band of Gypsys' – it was the only live album released in Jimi Hendrix's lifetime. Before their dissolution, Band of Gypsys' final show took place at Madison Square Garden in New York on 28th January 1970.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Soon after the Band of Gypsys' very short career ended, Jimi Hendrix embarked on The Cry of Love Tour, which kicked off at The Forum in Inglewood, California in April 1970. Taking in shows on both sides of the Atlantic, the tour included Jimi Hendrix's fabled show at Isle of Wight Festival in the early hours of Monday 31st August 1970. Although beset by technical problems, the performance in front of hundreds of thousands of revellers was a pivotal moment in the festival's history.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Jimi Hendrix's last ever live show took place at the Love & Peace Festival in Fehmarn, Germany on 6th September 1970 – a week after Isle of Wight Festival.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Jimi Hendrix was pronounced dead on Friday 18th September 1970 at the age of just 27-years-old. Just before his death, Jimi had not been well - he was fatigued from work, was suffering from a chronic lack of sleep and some sort of influenza-type illness. The coroner returned an open verdict on his death, however he had taken nine sleeping tablets the night before and allegedly died of asphyxia. Jimi Hendrix's grave is at Greenwood Cemetery in Renton near Seattle - the same place is his mother.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Noel Redding, Kathy Etchingham and Who guitarist Pete Townshend unveiled a blue plaque at Jimi Hendrix's Mayfair home on 14th September 1997.

Jimi Hendrix's life in photos

Depicting Jimi Hendrix throwing an iconic pose and playing a Fender Stratocaster, this life-size Jimi statue is named The Electric Lady Studio Guitar and it's located in the Capitol Hill neighbourhood of Seattle. It's the work of sculptor Daryl Smith. There is also a Jimi Hendrix statue on the Isle of Wight.

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