Born: 27 November 1942 · Died: 18 September 1970 · Age: 27
American guitarist who revolutionised rock with Purple Haze, All Along the Watchtower and his Woodstock Star-Spangled Banner
Did you know?He was naturally left-handed but usually played a right-handed guitar that he had restrung and turned upside down.
Quick facts
Date of birth27 November 1942
Date of death18 September 1970
Age at death27
Cause of deathAsphyxia
NationalityAmerican
BirthplaceSeattle, United States
Occupationsinger, record producer, vocalist
Editor's Take:
Jimi Hendrix changed what the electric guitar could do. Born in Seattle, he served in the US Army before playing backup for soul acts. In 1966 he moved to London and formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience. He used feedback, distortion and volume as instruments in their own right. At Monterey in 1967 he set his guitar on fire. His Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock became a symbol of its era. He died in London in 1970, aged just 27.
Key Milestones
1966: London – the Experience formed
1967: Monterey – sets his guitar alight
1967: Are You Experienced – debut album
1968: Electric Ladyland – double album
James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential guitarists of all time.
