If you don’t know who Jimi Hendrix is, chances are your music taste hasn’t yet discovered godlike guitar solos, psychedelic genius, and masterful music understanding. Despite his career only lasting about 4 years, Jimi is best known for being one of the world’s greatest guitar players, and still influences the music world today.

To give you a little background on Jimi, he was born on November 27, 1942, to his mother Lucille and his father Al, both of whom were African Americans. He had 5 siblings; Leon Hendrix, Janie Hendrix, Joseph Hendrix, Kathy Hendrix, and Pamela Hendrix. Around the age of 9, Jimi’s parents divorced, and he and his brother Leon went into custody of his father. At a young age, Jimi was attracted to music, and most strongly, the guitar. At the age of 15, Jimi got his first acoustic guitar. He taught himself how to play by ear, and idolized influential musicians such as Elvis Presley and Muddy Waters. Jimi’s first band was the Veletones, and after their first performance, he quickly realized he could hardly be heard over the band and converted himself to an electric guitar. After being kicked out of the band for showing off, he joined the Rocking Kings and performed professional gigs. As most teens, Jimi was somewhat of a trouble maker. Around the age of 19, Jimi had been caught several times driving stolen cars. After being caught he was given the option to either go to jail or the military. Jimi choose the military, and was assigned to 101st Airborne Division and stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Even while at the military, Jimi played his guitar. He attracted a fellow soldier, Billy Cox, and the two ended up playing gigs with one another. It was obvious that Jimi had no intent to succeed or interest in the army, and was soon discharged. His next band was the King Kasuals, but he soon decided to venture off on his own. Jimi landed his first recording “Testify” with the Isley Brothers, which had little success. He later then recorded “Mercy Mercy” for the Don Covay song, which reached 35 on the charts.

 After many performances, bands, and a TV appearance, Jimi finally met the Jimi Hendrix Experience, which consisted of Noel Redding, Mitch Mitchel, and himself. Their first album, Are You Experienced is widely known to be one of the most influential albums of the 60’s and is still very influential today. Soon, the band became widely known and they released two more albums, Axis, Bold As Love and Electric Ladyland. Before Axis, Bold As Love, the group performed at the Monterrey Pop Festival. Here, Jimi lit his guitar on fire at the end of the set and created one of the most influential and memorable photos in rock and roll history. I remember in reading a book about Jimi, he explained that you sacrifice the things you love, and that was the reasoning behind burning his guitar, he loved his guitar. His deep connection and understanding of music never failed to show, and I believe moments like this were what had always set him apart from other musicians. After their 3 albums became more and more popular, the group performed at Woodstock, where Jimi gave one of his most famous performances of his version of the "Star Spangled Banner." Even if you think his recreation and interpretation of the song was offensive, it was one of the most beautiful performances Jimi gave, and one of the biggest influential moments of the 60’s.

Along with fame, many difficulties came, and Jimi learned this the hard way. Being that the 60’s were a time for drug experimenting and alcohol abuse, Jimi was no exception to this popular trend. After being heavily involved in drugs, Jimi payed the consequences and died on September 18, 1970, at 12:45 p.m. from overdosing on pills. Even though his life was cut short, Jimi left one of the biggest marks on the rock and roll music industry in his short 4 years of being a famous musician. Even if you are not interested in his music, his name is one you should know, because chances are he has influenced one of your favorite artists. The world would not be the same without Jimi Hendrix, and he will forever live on.