Born on this day in 1942 in Seattle, rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter, Jimi Hendrix, is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most talented musicians of the 20th century.
Described by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music, what made Hendrix stand out among his peers was his natural talent. His ability to effortlessly create and make melodies, despite the fact that he could neither read nor write music was very astounding.
According to his website, he “pioneered the explosive possibilities of the electric guitar” and his “innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback and controlled distortion created a new musical form.”
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Fondly remembered for his dexterity on the electric guitar, Hendrix, before going into music full time enlisted in the US Army in 1961. He was, however, later honorably discharged after he sustained an injury during a parachute jump.
Hendrix gained prominence in the 1960s after his military service though there were a few ups and downs. During that span, he worked with several superstar acts including Ike and Tina Turner, Sam Cooke, the Isley Brothers, as well as, Little Richard.
Hendrix also made fame with his The Jimi Hendrix Experience band in the United Kingdom and the United States, releasing three critically acclaimed and chart-topping albums between 1967 and 1968.
He passed away in 1970 at the young age of 27. Hendrix has received several awards plus posthumous ones.
To celebrate his birthday, Face2Face Africa shares with you 10 of his greatest hits.
Scroll through to check them out in no particular order:
