Black History Month is finally here! We’re really excited for this month because not only is it a month to focus on the amazing history of black culture, we can use our platform to showcase the talent of black pioneers who have laid the groundwork for musicians today. Our first episode opens with the talented rock and roll star Jimi Hendrix an artist who transcends generations. Although Jimi Hendrix had a very brief career, he is widely regarded as one of the most celebrated rock guitarists, singers, and songwriters in the music industry, earning a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In addition to being widely celebrated, Hendrix's career laid the groundwork for rock and rolls wide acceptance and he has continued to influence established stars and rising stars today.
Born November 27, 1942, Hendrix's first experiences with music started at a very young age. He began to work on his sound, drawing influence from big names including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, and Buddy Holly. Unfortunately due to a lack of resources, Hendrix was unable to get a teacher to teach him how to read music. However, this roadblock didn’t hold him back as he was able to teach himself to play guitar after his father purchased him a second-hand guitar from one of his friends. Shortly after Jimi was given the guitar the embers of a music career lit up and Hendrix formed his first band-- The Velvetones. After a brief 3 month period Hendrix left the group to pursue a career of his own, and around this time is when Hendrix's father purchased him his first electric guitar, which was the Supro Ozark 1560s. Like any teenager, at the time Hendrix was up to no good and unfortunately, his antics got him caught up with the law and after being caught twice riding in stolen cars leading to be given a choice of prison or the army. He immediately enlisted in the Army on May 31, 1961, and after basic training, he was stationed at Fort Ord in California. Like any creative who has to be forced into a regiment, Hendrix described his experience saying "There's nothing but physical training and harassment here for two weeks, then when you go to jump school ... you get hell. They work you to death, fussing and fighting." He begged his father to send him his guitar in the mail and his father relented and sent the guitar shortly after. Finally getting back into his music Hendrix's obsession with the instrument soon turned into him neglecting his duties, which of course got him into trouble, but not enough to stop him from continuing to play. Continuing his career in the Army, Hendrix was discovered by fellow servicemen Billy Cox who was impressed by his technique. After becoming acquainted, the pair went on to play at base clubs on weekends with other musicians in the loosely formed band The Casuals.
Finally able to balance his love for music and his career responsibilities of being a serviceman, Hendrix completed paratrooper training and was awarded the screaming eagles patch on January 11, 1962, but his personal conduct began to slack and he began to draw constant criticism for his superiors, with his platoon sergeant saying; “He has no interest whatsoever in the Army ... It is my opinion that Private Hendrix will never come up to the standards required of a soldier. I feel that the military service will benefit if he is discharged as soon as possible." The sergeant got him and Hendrix was honorably discharged on June 29, 1962, and thus began the first steps in his career.
Shortly after Hendrix was discharged, Billy Cox soon followed and the pair linked up again and moved to Clarksville, Tennessee to form the King Kasuals and began playing at low-paying gigs. Getting better and better the duo was then able to relocate to Nashville Jefferson street-- which at the time was the center of the city's black community-- the home of a burgeoning rhythm and blues scene. Gaining recognition, the two were able to obtain a residency at a local venue at the time called the Club Del Morocco and over the next two years, Hendrix was able to make a living on his performance circuit throughout the south with multiple venues under the Theaters Owners Booking Association (TOBA). In addition to playing with his own band, Hendrix collaborated with other emerging artists at the time including Ike & Tina Turner, Sam Cooke, and more. In 1964, feeling he had outgrown the circuit and frustrated with the rules of bandleaders Hendrix left to pursue a career on his own and made his move to Harlem New York where befriended Lithofayne Pridgeon (known as Faye) who later became his love interest. As a native to the Harlem music scene Faye introduced Hendrix to her web of connections and while working on growing his career Faye provided Hendrix with shelter and support. After about a month in the area, Hendrix won his first prize from the legendary Apollo Theater amateur contest and parlayed the recognition into landing a seat in the Harlem club circuit. Further building his connections and his name in the area, Hendrix was then able to catch the attention of Ronnie Isley and after an audition, Hendrix landed a spot as the guitarist in the Isley's Brothers back up band, I.B. Specialists.
After a brief time with the brothers and going on tour with them for most of 1964 Hendrix left the band in October and shortly after joined Little Richard's band, the Upsetters. For much of 1965, Hendrix spent most of his time with Richard but due to constantly clashing with Richard over things like tardiness, wardrobe, and other antics, Hendrix was then fired from the band. Never one to sit and wait around Hendrix signed his first record deal with Juggy Murray at Sue Records and briefly rejoined the Isley Brothers, and later that year Curtis Knight and The Squires. He also signed a three-year recording contract with Ed Chaplin, which later caused legal trouble and career problems for Hendrix but did little to derail his career. After recording songs and touring with the Isley Brother and the Squires he was also able to pick up tour dates with Joey Dee and the Starliters. By 1966, after a string of success, Hendrix made his move to Greenwich Village in New York. Similar to his previous moves when starting up in a new location Hendrix played the circuit rounds in the area and he caught up with Animals bassist Chas Chandler in July of that year. Impressed by Hendrix’s performance, Chandler signed Hendrix in September of 1966 to an agreement that had Hendrix move to London to form a new band and from there the stage name of Jimi Hendrix was born, and The Jimi Experience started taking root.
Featuring bassist Noel Redding, and drummer Mitch Mitchell, the Jimi Hendrix Experience began to gain local recognition in London by the fall of 1966, leading to the band's first single "Hey Joe" that spent ten weeks on the UK's charts topping out at number by early 1967. Capitalizing off the success of the single the band shortly released the first album “Are You Experienced”, gaining national recognition overnight, The Jimi Hendrix Experience became one of the most popular acts globally, and with that Hendrix was no longer an underground act but an international star. Following the release of Are, You Experienced" the band then released “Axis: Bold As Love” which did just as good, if not better than the previous project.
Finally more in control of his career and able to make his own decisions, Hendrix relocated back to the United States and built his own recording studio Electric Lady Studios which became the title of his next releases “Electric LadyLand” which followed the success of the last two projects. Unfortunately due to career demands, and disagreements among bandmates, The Experience disbanded in 1969. The breakup initially hurt Hendrix but the artist rebounded quickly and in the summer of 1969 Hendrix played at the Woodstock Music & Art Fair and was able to connect with musicians Mitch Michell, Billy Cox, Juma Sultan, and Jerry Velez.
Following Woodstock, Hendrix entered a new era of his life with the designing collaboration and forming of the Gypsys which featured Hendrix as a guitarist, Billy Cox as the bassist, and Buddy Miles as the drummer. After formally getting together the trio launched into 1970 with a series of New Year's performances which were recorded and released on the Band of Gypsys album. By 1970, after bringing back Mitch Mitchell to play the drums, The Jimi Hendrix Experience was formed once again. With the band back together they went on to start recording a new LP titled First Rays Of The New Rising Sun. Unfortunately, Hendrix was unable to see the release of this project due to his tragic death.
A very brief life, as well as career Jimi Hendrix time here, was spent in devotion to music, and his love for it took him places that most people never get a chance to see. One of the few black faces of rock and roll, during a time when commercial success was primarily monopolized by white artists, Jimi Hendrix’s sound, face, and image was the foundation for a variety of artists including; David Bowie, Lenny Kravitz, Prince, and most recently Future; who adopted the artist's name as a moniker, as well as the title for a project. One of the best to ever do it, Jimi Hendrix was a pioneer in his own right and deserves his place in history as one of the greatest rock and roll artists and as well as African American artists in music history.
Have you ever listened to Jimi Hendrix? If so, what’s your favorite song by him? Let us know in the comments below! If you want to stay up to date with news and content coming from Nefarious Supply you can find us onInstagram,Twitter, and for our weekly newsletter you can sign up below, and we also working on some things for Nefarious Supply Wear, sign up for our newsletter to stay in the loop!