Hendrix, Jimi (James Marshall) (1942–1970)

US rock guitarist, songwriter, and singer. He was legendary for his virtuoso experimental technique and flamboyance. Are You Experienced? (1967) was his first album. His performance at the 1969 Woodstock festival included a memorable version of The Star-Spangled Banner and is recorded in the film Woodstock (1970). He greatly expanded the vocabulary of the electric guitar and influenced both rock and jazz musicians.

Hendrix moved to the UK in 1966 and formed a trio, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, which produced hit singles with their first recorded songs (‘Hey Joe’ and ‘Purple Haze’, both 1967). The group attracted attention in the USA when Hendrix burned his guitar at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. The group disbanded in early 1969 after three albums; Hendrix continued to record and occasionally perform until his death the following year.