Jimi Hendrix was without a doubt one of the most original, most inspired artists who ever lived. Jimi felt people did not understand him; Jimi was not granted enough time to alter the skillfully manipulated image which had been thrust upon him by his management. Jimi was very a very spiritual person. He sometimes referred to his music as "sky church music," because he felt music could unite people by drawing them towards the spiritual world and God. Jimi was not a missionary though; he was a poet with a mission. "To this day, Jimi Hendrix is considered one of rock's greatest guitarists. His innovations may, in fact, have not been equaled... Hendrix was a brilliant songwriter, penning one classic after another. His influence can be felt throughout rock, from metal to alternative'"(Addicted to Noise). Jimi Hendrix was the most influential and most imitated guitarist of rock'n'roll, harnessing distortion and feedback and adopting a psychedelic image that defined the '60's. As of today, Jimi has three songs in the Hall of Fame: 'Purple Haze,''All Along The Watchtower,' and 'Voodoo Child'(Slight Return). "As for radical innovators in the history of African-American music, the amazing Jimi Hendrix deserves a unique place. He re-invented the electric guitar, no-one who has played it since has been unmoved. In a few short years, he had converted guitar solos mired in the blues and the comparatively undisciplined rock playing into a domineering, aggressive, controlling lead sound. His use of devices such as the wah-wah pedal have virtually prohibited their use except to imitate Jimi himself, so complete was his dominance. No rock player today plays without his influence....Hendrix's was a new idea, something spiritual that radiated not only over his guitar, but over all instruments. The new electrifying aggressiveness of sound stems from Hendrix and concerns not only all guitarists who follow him. It also concerns, for example, the best electric pianists in contemporary jazz; it even concerns the horn men who use electronics--insofar as they use them more imaginatively than merely for "effect."(African American Baseline Essay) Jimi is constantly being rediscovered by new generations. Over 60% of Hendrix's fans are 21 or younger. Over 2 million records of Jimi have been sold in each year after his death. Even today, Jimi still performs. Not live, but by virtual reality. "The first time I heard Jimi Hendrix, he made me forget everyone else. He somehow reinvented every musical sound that came before him. Nobody in the world has played the guitar like that since..."(USA Today 94) There have even been days set in his honor: "Jimi Hendrix, pioneering guitarist, of the 1960's...Jimi Hendrix...continues to be mourned by music lovers everywhere; now, therefore, I, Norman B. Rice, Mayor of the city of Seattle, do hereby proclaim, November 27...to be Jimi Hendrix Day...to remember the contributions he made to modern music." (Norman Rice)
Setlist from Jimi Hendrix at Woodstock!
Jimi Hendrix -Message To Love -Getting My Heart Back Together Again -Spanish Castle Magic -Red House -Master Mind -Here Comes Your Lover Man -Foxy Lady -Beginning -Izabella -Gypsy Woman -Fire -Voodoo Child (slight return)/Stepping Stone -Star Spangled Banner -Purple Haze -Woodstock Improvisation -Villanova Junction -Hey Joe
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