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Jimi Hendrix: An Illustrated Experience

• Title - Jimi Hendrix: An Illustrated Experience
  • Author - John McDermott?
  • Category - nonfiction
  • Queue status - completed
• John McDermott?

Synopsis

Jimi Hendrix: An Illustrated Experience is a wonderful book. It is a large-format Hendrix biography written by John McDermott and Janie Hendrix (Hendrix's younger half-sister). There are little pockets and envelopes inside the book containing realistic reproductions of Hendrix's notes, drawings, and letters. It is a joy to read or just browse this book.

Hendrix knew by age 14 that he wanted to be a guitar player. He worked very hard learning to play well, and talked later about how hard and how frustrating it was. He could hear in his mind the music that he wanted to play, but it took him years to gain the skills that he needed.

He joined the army airborne division. While in the army he met the bassist Billy Cox and they formed a band called the King Kasuals. He was eventually honorably discharged from the army. Years later, after The Experience had effectively broken up, Hendrix asked Cox to join him in the new Band of Gypsies group.

Hendrix worked in utter obscurity for years, barely making enough to feed himself. He was sideman with Joey Dee, Wilson Pickett, the Isley Brothers, Curtis Knight, and, briefly, with Little Richard. Eventually he met Linda Keith (Keith Richards' girlfriend) and, significantly, Chas Chandler, the bassist for The Animals. It was the long collaboration with Chandler that helped Hendrix move into the big-time.

After getting a start in Britain, including the release of his first album, Hendrix made the jump back to the U.S. for a grueling tour - starting with 60 concerts in 60 days. Hendrix and the band would continue to overwork themselves right to the end.

It was just 4 years from Hendrix's meeting Chandler until Hendrix's death by apparent suicide in September 1970. He was 27 years old.

The book includes a CD containing a couple of backstage interviews, live versions of Fire, Red House, and Foxey Lady, and an extended (28 minute!) studio version of Keep on Groovin.