Jimi Hendrix: Guitar Hero
James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix is an American musician, singer, songwriter and guitarist. Although only active between 1963 and 1970, Hendrix established a name for himself as one of the most influential electric guitarists in history. His technical guitar work was best portrayed in his most famous project, appropriately named The Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell, with hits such as “Hey Joe”, “Purple Haze” and “Voodoo Child”. Hendrix completely revolutionized all of rock star culture, innovating new techniques, gear, signal processing, rhythm playing, soloing, stage antics, chord voicings, charisma, fashion, and composition. By 1969, Hendrix was the world’s highest paid rock musician, and was given the headlining position at the legendary Woodstock Festival. After four incredible years in the mainstream, Hendrix was found dead in his apartment due to barbiturate-induced asphyxia on his own vomit. Nevertheless, his legacy is unforgettable, and his impact on both guitar-playing and the mainstream media has yet to be diminished.
