Jimi Hendrix

On November 7, 1942, Johnny Allen Hendrix, who later became known as Jimi Hendrix, was born.

Jimi Hendrix, born as Johnny Allen Hendrix, was an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer. He is widely considered one of the greatest and most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music.

Johnny's father, Al, changed his son's name from Johnny Allen Hendrix to James Marshall Hendrix on September 11, 1946.

Jimi Hendrix saw Elvis Presley perform at Sicks Stadium on September 1, 1957, who was one of his main inspirations.

Jimi Hendrix received his first acoustic guitar, an old second-hand instrument purchased by his father for around $5.

In May 1961, Jimi Hendrix enlisted in the Army and was granted the privilege to wear the “Screaming Eagles” patch for the paratroop division.

Given a choice between prison and joining the Army due to his involvement in car thefts, Jimi Hendrix enlisted on May 31, 1961. He completed basic training and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Jimi Hendrix acquired his first electric guitar, marking a significant shift in his musical journey.

On January 11, 1962, Major General Charles W. G. Rich awarded Jimi Hendrix the prestigious Screaming Eagles patch after completing his paratrooper training.

After facing criticism for his conduct and attitude in the Army, Jimi Hendrix was granted an honorable discharge on June 29, 1962, by Captain Gilbert Batchman. Hendrix later falsely claimed a medical discharge.

Jimi Hendrix receives an honorable discharge after breaking his ankle during a jump.

Jimi Hendrix burns his Fender Stratocaster on stage during a performance.

On September 24, 1966, Jimi Hendrix signed a management and production contract with Chas Chandler, who brought him to London and formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience. This marked a significant turning point in Hendrix's career.

On October 13, 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience performed their first show at the Novelty in Evreux, France. The performance was enthusiastically received and marked the beginning of the band's journey to success.

On October 18, 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience performed at the Olympia theatre in Paris. This performance is the earliest known recording of the band and showcased their talent to a wider audience.

On November 2, 1966, the Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded 'Stone Free', which was Hendrix's first songwriting effort after arriving in England. This marked an important milestone in the band's musical journey.

From November 8 to 11, 1966, The Jimi Hendrix Experience had a short residency at the Big Apple club in Munich, their first gigs in Germany. It was during this residency that Hendrix's iconic guitar smashing incident took place, shaping the band's stage presence.

Jimi Hendrix and Chas Chandler fly to London to form the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Chandler becomes the manager and they decide to change James to Jimi.

On March 31, 1967, Jimi Hendrix set his guitar on fire at the London Astoria after a dynamic performance. This stunt led to him being labeled the 'Black Elvis' and the 'Wild Man of Borneo' by London's press.

Are You Experienced was released in the UK on May 12, 1967, spending 33 weeks on the charts and peaking at number two, being prevented from reaching the top spot by the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band.

In June 1967, Jimi Hendrix travelled back to America to play at the Monterey International Pop Festival, where he gained significant popularity and fame.

Are You Experienced was released in the U.S. on August 23, 1967, by Reprise Records, reaching number five on the Billboard 200.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience starts a major US tour with their first show in San Francisco.

'Electric Ladyland' is released by The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

On February 18 and 24, 1969, the Experience played sold-out concerts at London's Royal Albert Hall, marking their last European appearances. The strained relations within the group led to the end of this lineup.

In May 1969, Jimi Hendrix was charged with drug possession at Toronto International Airport after authorities found heroin and hashish in his luggage. Hendrix claimed the drugs were planted by someone without his knowledge, and he was later acquitted of the charges.

During the summer of 1969, Jimi Hendrix participated in inspirational festivals like the Woodstock Music & Art Fair, where he delivered a memorable performance of the "Star Spangled Banner" with the Gypsy ensemble.

The last performance of the original Experience lineup, including Jimi Hendrix, took place at Barry Fey's Denver Pop Festival on June 29, 1969. The event was marked by police using tear gas to control the audience, and the band narrowly escaped in the back of a rental truck that was partly crushed by fans.

Jimi Hendrix performed at Woodstock in 1969 with his new band, Gypsy Sun and Rainbows, consisting of his old friends, delivering a memorable performance.

On August 18, 1969, The Jimi Hendrix Experience played its final gig at the Denver Pop Festival, marking the end of the group at the peak of their popularity.

Jimi Hendrix, Billy Cox, and Buddy Miles formed the Band of Gypsys and performed a series of shows on December 31, 1969, and January 1, 1970, leading to the release of the Band of Gypsys album.

Band of Gypsys, consisting of Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Miles, and Billy Cox, performed at a music festival at Madison Square Garden to benefit the anti-Vietnam War Moratorium Committee.

Jimi Hendrix, the renowned guitarist and singer, passes away on this day.

Jimi Hendrix suddenly died on September 18, 1970.

Jimi Hendrix was laid to rest at Greenwood Cemetery in Renton, Washington on October 1, 1970.

In 1992, The Jimi Hendrix Experience was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 1998, Jimi Hendrix was posthumously inducted into the American Indian Music Hall of Fame in its inaugural year.

In 1999, readers of Rolling Stone and Guitar World ranked Jimi Hendrix among the most important musicians of the 20th century.

In 2000, Jimi Hendrix received a Hall of Fame Grammy award for his original composition 'Purple Haze', showcasing his innovative musical style.

In 2005, The Jimi Hendrix Experience was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame.

In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine named Jimi Hendrix the greatest guitarist of all time, solidifying his legacy and influence in the world of music.