Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The Architect Of The Electric Guitar: Jimi Hendrix Would Have Celebrated His 70th Birthday Today!


Johnny Allen Hendrix, yes that is Jimi Hendrix' real name, was born on in Seattle, Washington on November 27, 1942. Hendrix is widely considered the greatest electric guitarist in the history of music, he single-handily revolutionized the art of amplified guitars and pushed the envelope of music to the threshold. He was musically influenced by American Rock N' Roll and Electric Blues There is no question that Hendrix is one of the most important musicians of the 20th century.

In mid-1959, his father bought him his first electric guitar: a white Supro Ozark. Legend says that there was no amplifiers available. Hendrix, who was left handed, was forced to turn the guitar upside down and restring the guitar so he could play it. Back then guitars were only made for right handed players.

According to Hendrix's Seattle band mates, he learned most of his acrobatic stage moves, including playing with his teeth and behind his back, as well as Chuck Berry's trademark "duck walk", from a fellow young musician, Raleigh "Butch" Snipes.

Law enforcement authorities twice caught Hendrix riding in stolen cars. Given a choice between spending two years in prison or joining the Army, Hendrix chose the latter and enlisted on May 31, 1961. After he had served only one year, Captain Gilbert Batchman granted Private Hendrix an honourable discharge on the basis of unsuitability on June 29, 1962

During his short career of seven years, he made the Jimi Hendrix Experience widely known in Europe. He also achieved fame in the United States after his 1967 performance at the Monterey Pop Festival. Later, he headlined the Woodstock Festival in 1969, and the Isle of Wight Festival in 1970.

Hendrix died from drug-related asphyxia at the age of 27 in London, England.

Today we salute Mr. Jimi Hendrix! And thank him for his contributions to Heavy Music! Check this awesome documentary out:



Related links:
Jimi Hendrix

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