I remember the first time I heard Jimi Hendrix rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner”, I was like “WOW!” and my admiration and appreciation for his work was born. Jimi Hendrix was born November 27, 1942, making him seventy if he was alive in body today. I wonder sometimes how the current generation view him as an artist and icon, now that such great time has passed and his musical styles are not really reflected in Pop Music anymore. In the late 60’s, he fit right in although a complete pioneer and inovator. As a professional working DJ, I get to see his influence in the requests that still pour in for his music in places and events that do not seem like Hendrix-type environments. One of the venues that I am a Trivia Host on Wednesday Nights is The Applebees in Hackettestown, NJ. On a consistent basis some of the regular participants in the games will ask me to play Jimi Hendrix. What surprises me is that they are mostly people under age thirty and young professionals!
When the power of Love overcomes the love of power, the world will know Peace
Jimi Hendrix
The legacy of Jimi Hendrix is hard to calibrate due to his involvement with drugs and alcohol and subsequent death from the abuse. His music lives on boldy in the influence of many young guitarists and musicians seeking inspiration from an artist who created and lived a life his own way, with few or no social restrains or concessions. He was a passionate human rights activist including environmental, race and social class as issues that he contributed his time and music.
Hendrix received his main break when Paul McCartney had suggested him to The Monterey Pop Festival. He accepted the invitation and the media could not write enough positive praise of his musicianship and on-stage presence. This was followed by two solid albums that were adorned with critical and popular enthusiasm and he was on his way as an international success. Interestingly, he was first achieving popularity in Europe before the United States. It is possible that his performance at the Woodstock Music Festival was his signature moment as an artist. Today, his performance of the of aforementioned “Star Spangled Banner” often is the singular song that viewers of the film about the festival hold in their memory as what ‘The Sixties were about’.
Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.
Jimi Hendrix
