Caught in a 'Haze' of Hendrix

 By Jami Morain

    All it takes is one Google search to see multiple websites proclaim Jimi Hendrix as "the greatest and most influential guitarist of all time." 

    Hendrix couldn't read or write music, so he would hold a broom and focus on the music, trying to play along. At the age of 13, Hendrix's father began teaching him guitar. After his military service, Hendrix became a rhythm and blues sideman. He grew weary of this lifestyle and made the move to New York hoping to make it big. Unfortunately, this is where he was introduced to drugs. 

    In 1966, Keith Richards' (the Rolling Stones) girlfriend, Linda Keith, encouraged Chas Chandler to meet Hendrix. Chandler, a band manager, liked what he heard and asked Hendrix if he would be willing to move to London and start a band. This launched "The Jimi Hendrix Experience," and their first single, "Hey Joe." 

    Back to the United States for a music festival in 1967, some confusion caused for Hendrix to play after The Who. After his performance Hendrix demolished his guitar on set. Luckily, this didn't turn away fans, the group would release two albums Are You Experienced and Axis: Bold as Love. Electric Ladyland would follow in 1968. Hendrix drug use was becoming prominent during this time and his relationships started straining, losing Chandler as manager.

    In 1969, Hendrix started experimenting with bring in new bandmates, trying different line ups. This year was also the only time they would play at Woodstock. The group was supposed to shut the place down, but due to weather they were the openers on the fourth day and when Hendrix would shred the Star Spangled Banner. 

Jimi Hendrix exhibit at the Rock and Roll
Hall of Fame in Cleveland

    On the night of September 17, 1970, Hendrix took some sleeping pills. That night he woke up, puked and passed out. His girlfriend assumed he was fine and went out for cigarettes. Upon her return she found him in the same place and that he had inhaled his vomit. He was pronounced dead at 27.  

    Hendrix's signature move was playing his guitar upside down because he was left handed and couldn't find a left handed guitar. He also made adjustments, such as changing the strings, to make it work. He isn't the first or last to due this, considering left handed guitars aren't common, but he refused to learn with his nondominant hand. 

    Musicians Hall of Fame wrote that Hendrix was a standout because he was ambidextrous, using his right hand for everyday use, but his left was more natural for guitar. People talked about his performances from all over. 

    To make his music more soulful he would distort, change speed and volume to become the founder of psychedelic rock.