Wednesday, September 30, 2009

#11 Jimy Hendrix

Jimy Hendrix is rock’s greatest guitarist. He became the most influential musician of the rock era. Despite this, he had problems breaking into the American market and even opened for The Monkeys. Lack of success in the states sent him overseas. His career took off in Europe. It was not until the Monterey Pop Festival that his career took off in the United States. By 1969, he was headlining Woodstock.

Hendrix became infamous for his sexually charged stage performances and the use of feedback which had previously been seen as undesirable. Hendrix overdosed in September, 1970 and became even bigger in death. He’s now an icon and legend. Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Brian Jones, Jim Morrison, Robert Johnson, Peter Ham, Pigpen, and Kurt Cobain are all members of the 27 club. Those are artists that died at age 27.

Rock n Roll Moment: At the Monterey Pop Festival, Hendrix and The Who’s Pete Townsend had a friendly rivalry. The Who blew up the stage. Hendrix followed that by humping the amps and setting his guitar on fire.

Essential Hendrix:
Are You Experienced (1967)
Axis: Bold as Love (1967)
Electric Ladyland (1968)

Jimy’s Top 10:
All Along the Watchtower
Purple Haze
Fire
The Wind Cries Mary
Hey Joe
Manic Depression
Foxy Lady
Castles Made of Sand
Are You Experienced?
Crosstown Traffic

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