Me paying homage to Jimi
Hey there Readers,
Today marks the 39th anniversary of the passing of Jimi Hendrix, the most exciting and innovative guitarist of our generation.
I remember exactly where I was on that fateful day, Friday September 18, 1970 when I heard the news that Jimi Hendrix had died.
Balboa High School, San Francisco, California
We had only been back in school only a few short weeks, after a wonderful summer that included the release of the "Woodstock" film from the previous summer's epic festival in upstate New York, that featured Jimi's awe inspiring rendition of "The Star Spangled Banner".
My classmates and I at Bal (where Jerry Garcia had attended 11 years earlier) had turned 15 years old that summer, and were just beginning our sophomore year, when the word had spread throughout the school that Jimi had died of an overdose of pills and alcohol in England.
We were all totally devastated, and in a complete state of shock in the realization that would we would never ever get to see Jimi Hendrix play again.
It was really just beyond our comprehension at that time that the most prolific musician that we had ever known was no longer with us.
Everyone was shocked, bummed and crying, but none the less grateful for the fantastic music that Hendrix had given us in his short 5 year reign as the most awesome guitarist any of us had ever seen or heard.
One of the most memorable experiences of my life occurred on January 15, 1992 when I won a raffle to attend the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame awards ceremonies at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, where I got a chance to meet Al Hendrix, who was there to induct his son Jimi into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
After Hendrix's induction we talked for a few minutes about Jimi, and the indelible impression that he had left on the world, when Al said to me "you know, you kind of remind me of my son", and at that moment I couldn't help myself as I broke out into tears, like I'm doing right now.
I shook Al's hand and thanked him, and then went back to my table knowing that I would remember that moment for the rest of my life.
In tribute to Jimi I have compiled 45 of Hendrix's songs for your listening pleasure.
Enjoy!
Cheers,
Mick
Me channeling JimiBelow is the link to my James Marshall Hendrix (11/27/42 - 09/18/70) playlist
http://www.playlist.com/playlist/7907938827
