Few guitarists in history have changed rock music the way Jimi Hendrix did. His sound, style, and energy still inspire musicians today, and his influence can be heard across rock, blues, metal, and beyond. In this blog, we take a simple look at his early life, rise to fame, and the lasting impact he left on the world.
Early Life: A Kid Who Loved Music
Jimi Hendrix was born on 27th November 1942 in Seattle, Washington. His birth name was Johnny, but his parents changed it to James Marshall Hendrix when he was young. Jimi grew up in a challenging environment, but music quickly became the bright spot in his life.
Even as a child, Jimi loved pretending to play guitar. A social worker once noticed him playing “air guitar” on a broomstick because he didn’t have an instrument of his own. When Jimi was 14, he found an old one-string ukulele while helping his dad with a job. Even with just one string, he learned to play songs by ear.
At 15, he finally bought his first acoustic guitar for just $5 — and he practiced for hours every single day. Soon he met other young musicians, started jamming, and eventually formed his first band.
His First Electric Guitar & Musical Growth
Jimi’s first electric guitar was a white Supro Ozark, and later he played a red Silvertone Danelectro. But the guitar he became most famous for was the Fender Stratocaster, which he called “the best all-around guitar” for his style of music.
One of the things that made Hendrix unique was the way he played. He was left-handed, but instead of buying a left-handed guitar, he flipped a right-handed guitar upside down and restrung it. This became a major part of his iconic image.
His Influences — and the Musicians He Influenced
Jimi grew up listening to blues and rock pioneers like Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, B.B. King, and Elmore James. These artists shaped his early sound and helped build the foundation of his style.
But Jimi didn’t just take inspiration — he gave it back to the world. He went on to influence countless musicians, including:
Prince
John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers)
Mike McCready & Stone Gossard (Pearl Jam)
Kirk Hammett (Metallica)
Ace Frehley (KISS)
Joe Satriani
Brad Whitford (Aerosmith)
His guitar playing opened the door to new sounds and techniques that musicians still use today.
Love, Life & Tragic Death
Jimi Hendrix was never married, but he had several important relationships. His most well-known partner was Kathy Etchingham, with whom he spent three years during the 1960s. Later, he was in a relationship with Monika Danneman, a German figure skater.
Sadly, Jimi died on 18th September 1970, at just 27 years old. The night before he passed, he had taken sleeping tablets while already exhausted and unwell, and he died from asphyxia. His death shocked the world and cemented his place as a member of the “27 Club.”
Today, Jimi Hendrix is buried at Greenwood Cemetery in Renton, near Seattle, alongside his mother.
Hendrix in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
In 1992, Jimi Hendrix — as part of The Jimi Hendrix Experience — was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His tribute describes him as “arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music,” and few would disagree.
Movies About His Life
If you want to see his story on screen, check out “Jimi: All Is by My Side” (2013) starring André 3000 from Outkast. The film focuses on Hendrix’s early years in London before he became a worldwide sensation.
A Legend Who Still Inspires
Even though his career lasted only a few years, Jimi Hendrix changed music forever. His creativity, passion, and fearless approach to the guitar continue to inspire millions. From dive bars to giant festivals, his influence is everywhere — proving that true legends never fade.