The 27th of November 1942 Lucille Hendrix gave birth to her first child. Jimi's childhood wasn't easy. He didn't live often by his parents. Most of the time he lived with his grandmother in Vancouver in the indian reserve. Jimi's father had to go to war. Lucille drank very much and died in 1958. In 1959 he joined the high school band: "The Rocking Kings". 1960 he quit the high school without an examination.

He went to the army as a parachutist in 1961. He liked the army very much. He even forgot his guitar. 1962 Jimi's father sent his guitar to his barrack. He founded an army band. 1962 the band played in various clubs.

1965 Jimi went on tour with the Isley Brothers. Six months later Jimi left the Isley Brothers. Dylan's new record was pub-lished. This record influenced Jimi so much that he moved to Greenwich Village (NY). His music style changed and so did his friends. Most of his friends were now white people. In 1966 "The Rolling Stones" came to USA. Linda, Mick Jagger's girlfriend, wanted Jimi to become a star. She arranged the meeting between Jimi and Chas Chandler, the manager of "The Animals".

The first October 1967 Jimi had a jam session with Eric Clapton. With the trio "Cream" he went on tour as a host musician. Chas found two musisians who played well enough for Jimi. Now "The Hendrix Experience", Jimi's most famous band was born.

1967 Jimi wrote the songs "Purple Haze" and "Hey Joe". These songs conquered the Hit Parade. "The Hendrix Experience" was played at the Monterey festival. 90000 spectators visited the festival. Wood-stock was a highlight of the Flower-Power movement. 500,000 spectators appeared at the three day lasting festival. "The Experience" played during 150 min.

I wrote about Jimi because I like his style. His sound and his technique is new. For me Jimi is an idol. He is a guitar-god. He believed in himself and that is a good way to live. It's a pity he took drugs.

by Justin Böni