How Did Jimi Hendrix Impact Society
James Marshall Hendrix was the most inventive electric guitarist in the blues/rock genre. His passion for music was greatly appreciated and inspired to change and uplift the blues world. Hendrix, a phenomenal guitarist, greatly influenced the way that future guitarist after him approached the instrument to coincide with the genre of blues. Though, in less than five years he established himself in only four albums that had a remarkable impact on the blues/rock community by using his guitar. Hendrix was believed to be the greatest guitarist that ever lived. His impact on today’s music is still incorporated into today’s society.
Jimi Hendrix, the greatest guitarist in blues/rock history. He found different was to use his guitar to explain each song that he performed. He revolutionized the sound and emotion of blues/ rock. In 1967, the Jimi Hendrix spilled his musical ability of blues/rock to the nation with their first album, Are You Experienced? (Barger, 1). Unfortunately, at the tender age of 27, Hendrix's life was tragically destroyed from drug abuse in 1970. In these three years the sound of blues/rock changed significantly. …show more content…
James Hendrix “Jimi” was born Johnny Alan Hendrix in Seattle Washington, on November 27.
Al Hendrix, his father, was a jazz dancer who worked several jobs to support Johnny and his brother Leon. Sadly, Hendrix’s mother, Lucille, suffered from alcohol abuse; she would disappear abruptly, leaving Al and her children to fend for themselves. During this time Al, their grandmother, and other friends were burdened by the responsibility of taking care of Leon and Johnny. Lucille died when Johnny was ten years old, which ultimately had an influence on his drug abuse addiction. Al later changed Johnny’s name to James Marshal Hendrix (Barger,
1).
As a pretend guitar, Hendrix’s played with a broom stick to make music, and later used a one string beaten ukulele. Hendrix’s had many talents, but there was one thing that made him unique from the other musicians. He was left handed musicians. There were not many left handed guitarist during this time. Left handed guitars were rare to find and expensive. Being a left handed guitarist presented many challenges, which made Jimi different from other guitarist. When he got his first guitar, he had many adjustments to make to fit his style of playing. He had to put the strings on backwards and play it upside down, which evidentially sounds very challenging. His musical inspirations were very influential on Hendricks’s musical abilities. He learned to play his instrument by mimicking blues songs and other famous artists like BB King, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Freddie King, and others. His first childhood band was called the Rocking Kings.
Surprisingly, Hendrix’s first passion was not music; he decided to join the military. Though, the military was not his initial choice, he was caught riding in a stolen car twice. He had only two options, to go to prison for two years or enlist in the military. He decided to enlist; at the age seventeen he left his guitar at home and joined the army. In the army Hendrix’s held the position as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. Eventually, his passion for music was overwhelming and he requested for his guitar to be sent to him. He was a target of abuse amongst his peers who thought he was a fanatic weirdo for being so obsessed with guitar. Billy Cox, a bassist, and one of Hendrix’s friends overheard him playing and he was inspired by his musical talent. Cox’s described and compared Hendrix’s music to “somewhere between Beethoven and John Lee Hooker”, (Saunders, 82). Cox’s and Hendrix’s formed a musical band entertain the troops. In 1962 he injured himself, and was discharged.
After Hendrix’s was discharged from the army, he started perform at the “Chitlin Circuit.” He was the opening entrainment for the Isley Brothers, Little Richard, and Ike and Tina Turner. As many musicians suffered from traveling and adapted to the musical hardship, he never lasted long at any gig, he had many issues following the disciplinary rules of every musician. Though, he did not hold a job doing gigs for other musical artist, it later had a prominent impact on his musical career.
After realizing the potential of the recording studio, Hendrix built his own, which probably came from his inspirations for creating musical instruments as a child. Using the most modern equipment Hendricks created his own instruments to produce the influential sounds that he used to express his musical talent. He deliberately used different devices in concerts that were impossible to get (Barger, 1). When he recorded he used unusual of the stereo channels and vocal timbres, for example, when the instruments and sounds were paired together the melody and beat of the music moved from left to right and back again. Hendrix spent an ample amount of time in the studio, trying to perfect his musical aspiration and visions. Hendrix had a unique approach within the studio. He stated that he used guitar effects to produce exceptional music with an ethic approach (Defining Black Rock, 1). He wanted to consistently influence his listeners to not think of his music from a conformist approach but to raise awareness about his purpose of music (Defining Black Rock, 1). Hendrix’s wrote songs such as “If 6 Was 9” and “Stone Free”, both of these musical selections established a perspective of rebellious uniqueness which he refused to conform to societies expectations. As stated in the article, “in the late fifties and early sixties, individuals had difficulty realizing the significance of recording music, but within the American society musical fans were used to the norms of racial based musicians” (Barger, 1), for instance, African Americans and other racial and ethnic backgrounds were shied away from the music career.
Hendrix’s presented and influenced the musical industry with a new musical style and attitude. Being a multi-talented artist, Hendrix’s enjoyed collaborating blues and rock together. He preferred to work with few other musicians, and used a trio format to produce music. Jimi referred to himself as a “one man band” (Defining Black Rock, 1).which is a very powerful statement. Even though, Hendrix’s did not always use his vocals to express his music, his guitar was his voice. As mentioned before Hendrix was a songwriter, lead singer and featured instrumentalist on his recordings.
Released in December of 1966 on Reprise records, his first album “Are You Experienced?” In the top 10 UK charts the first single released was “Hey Joe”, followed by the influential song “Purple Haze”. The album in today’s society is still considered incredible. Now deemed as classic songs, “The Wind Cries Mary,” “Hey Joe,” “Purple Haze, “Foxy Lady,” and “Red House”” (Saunders, 70) are still popular songs in the blues/rock world.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience took the live stream experience to another level on January of 1967 at the Evereaux in France. Hendrix’s expressed that he preferred to do shows overseas because they appreciated all genres of music and there was better opportunities (Handford, 1). Hendrix’s live performance was astounding. He developed mesmerizing techniques to entertain the audience. He played the guitar between his legs, behind his head, behind his back, and with his teeth, which is seemingly impossible but yet amazing. He used techniques to develop noise and melodies, with the use of his Fender Stratocaster guitar and Marshal amplifiers. His expose’ was different from other musicians of his time, and he used these differences to his advantage. His appearance was interring, as he dressed in colorful nomad clothing and had a demanding stage presence with his talents and appearance. At the Monterey Pop Festival Hendrix’s ignited fire to his guitar. His guitar was his passion to create and produce wonderful music. Hendrix’s treated and cared for his guitar as a functioning part of his body. Hendrix conveyed emotions through his music.
Unfortunately, Hendrix’s lifestyle and passion for music included drugs and women. He became addicted to marijuana and LSD. Many would say he’s usage of drugs came from his affection for women. He would use before some of his show to give an erotic feeling to his musical selections. Hendrix’s was a shy and timid talented musician, from he’s outspoken appearance, he had the reputation of being a promiscuous and fierce, (Barger, 1).
Axis: Bold As Love was released on Reprise in December of 1967 (Barger, 1). The album was released in 1967 was thought to be the breaking point of a successful music year. Suffering from depression a drug abuse Hendrix’s became burden by society’s viewpoints. He became overwhelmed and continued to use. In 1968, Hendrix took on a mission of performing and playing 54 concerts in 47 days which seemed impossible to many other musicians. But Jimi’s passion for music encouraged him to participate. Hendrix’s image became distorted in his eyes; the wild and eccentric guitarist was suffering. During these concerts, his passion was not up to par and fans became unsatisfied with his lackadaisical attitude towards putting on a great show.
Jimi Hendrix, the greatest guitarist in blues/rock history. He found different was to use his guitar to explain each song that he performed. He revolutionized the sound and emotion of blues/ rock. In 1967, the Jimi Hendrix spilled his musical ability of blues/rock to the nation with their first album, Are You Experienced? (Barger, 1). Unfortunately, at the tender age of 27, Hendrix's life was tragically destroyed from drug abuse in 1970. In these three years the sound of blues/rock changed significantly. …show more content…
James Hendrix “Jimi” was born Johnny Alan Hendrix in Seattle Washington, on November 27.
Al Hendrix, his father, was a jazz dancer who worked several jobs to support Johnny and his brother Leon. Sadly, Hendrix’s mother, Lucille, suffered from alcohol abuse; she would disappear abruptly, leaving Al and her children to fend for themselves. During this time Al, their grandmother, and other friends were burdened by the responsibility of taking care of Leon and Johnny. Lucille died when Johnny was ten years old, which ultimately had an influence on his drug abuse addiction. Al later changed Johnny’s name to James Marshal Hendrix (Barger,
1).
As a pretend guitar, Hendrix’s played with a broom stick to make music, and later used a one string beaten ukulele. Hendrix’s had many talents, but there was one thing that made him unique from the other musicians. He was left handed musicians. There were not many left handed guitarist during this time. Left handed guitars were rare to find and expensive. Being a left handed guitarist presented many challenges, which made Jimi different from other guitarist. When he got his first guitar, he had many adjustments to make to fit his style of playing. He had to put the strings on backwards and play it upside down, which evidentially sounds very challenging. His musical inspirations were very influential on Hendricks’s musical abilities. He learned to play his instrument by mimicking blues songs and other famous artists like BB King, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Freddie King, and others. His first childhood band was called the Rocking Kings.
Surprisingly, Hendrix’s first passion was not music; he decided to join the military. Though, the military was not his initial choice, he was caught riding in a stolen car twice. He had only two options, to go to prison for two years or enlist in the military. He decided to enlist; at the age seventeen he left his guitar at home and joined the army. In the army Hendrix’s held the position as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. Eventually, his passion for music was overwhelming and he requested for his guitar to be sent to him. He was a target of abuse amongst his peers who thought he was a fanatic weirdo for being so obsessed with guitar. Billy Cox, a bassist, and one of Hendrix’s friends overheard him playing and he was inspired by his musical talent. Cox’s described and compared Hendrix’s music to “somewhere between Beethoven and John Lee Hooker”, (Saunders, 82). Cox’s and Hendrix’s formed a musical band entertain the troops. In 1962 he injured himself, and was discharged.
After Hendrix’s was discharged from the army, he started perform at the “Chitlin Circuit.” He was the opening entrainment for the Isley Brothers, Little Richard, and Ike and Tina Turner. As many musicians suffered from traveling and adapted to the musical hardship, he never lasted long at any gig, he had many issues following the disciplinary rules of every musician. Though, he did not hold a job doing gigs for other musical artist, it later had a prominent impact on his musical career.
After realizing the potential of the recording studio, Hendrix built his own, which probably came from his inspirations for creating musical instruments as a child. Using the most modern equipment Hendricks created his own instruments to produce the influential sounds that he used to express his musical talent. He deliberately used different devices in concerts that were impossible to get (Barger, 1). When he recorded he used unusual of the stereo channels and vocal timbres, for example, when the instruments and sounds were paired together the melody and beat of the music moved from left to right and back again. Hendrix spent an ample amount of time in the studio, trying to perfect his musical aspiration and visions. Hendrix had a unique approach within the studio. He stated that he used guitar effects to produce exceptional music with an ethic approach (Defining Black Rock, 1). He wanted to consistently influence his listeners to not think of his music from a conformist approach but to raise awareness about his purpose of music (Defining Black Rock, 1). Hendrix’s wrote songs such as “If 6 Was 9” and “Stone Free”, both of these musical selections established a perspective of rebellious uniqueness which he refused to conform to societies expectations. As stated in the article, “in the late fifties and early sixties, individuals had difficulty realizing the significance of recording music, but within the American society musical fans were used to the norms of racial based musicians” (Barger, 1), for instance, African Americans and other racial and ethnic backgrounds were shied away from the music career.
Hendrix’s presented and influenced the musical industry with a new musical style and attitude. Being a multi-talented artist, Hendrix’s enjoyed collaborating blues and rock together. He preferred to work with few other musicians, and used a trio format to produce music. Jimi referred to himself as a “one man band” (Defining Black Rock, 1).which is a very powerful statement. Even though, Hendrix’s did not always use his vocals to express his music, his guitar was his voice. As mentioned before Hendrix was a songwriter, lead singer and featured instrumentalist on his recordings.
Released in December of 1966 on Reprise records, his first album “Are You Experienced?” In the top 10 UK charts the first single released was “Hey Joe”, followed by the influential song “Purple Haze”. The album in today’s society is still considered incredible. Now deemed as classic songs, “The Wind Cries Mary,” “Hey Joe,” “Purple Haze, “Foxy Lady,” and “Red House”” (Saunders, 70) are still popular songs in the blues/rock world.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience took the live stream experience to another level on January of 1967 at the Evereaux in France. Hendrix’s expressed that he preferred to do shows overseas because they appreciated all genres of music and there was better opportunities (Handford, 1). Hendrix’s live performance was astounding. He developed mesmerizing techniques to entertain the audience. He played the guitar between his legs, behind his head, behind his back, and with his teeth, which is seemingly impossible but yet amazing. He used techniques to develop noise and melodies, with the use of his Fender Stratocaster guitar and Marshal amplifiers. His expose’ was different from other musicians of his time, and he used these differences to his advantage. His appearance was interring, as he dressed in colorful nomad clothing and had a demanding stage presence with his talents and appearance. At the Monterey Pop Festival Hendrix’s ignited fire to his guitar. His guitar was his passion to create and produce wonderful music. Hendrix’s treated and cared for his guitar as a functioning part of his body. Hendrix conveyed emotions through his music.
Unfortunately, Hendrix’s lifestyle and passion for music included drugs and women. He became addicted to marijuana and LSD. Many would say he’s usage of drugs came from his affection for women. He would use before some of his show to give an erotic feeling to his musical selections. Hendrix’s was a shy and timid talented musician, from he’s outspoken appearance, he had the reputation of being a promiscuous and fierce, (Barger, 1).
Axis: Bold As Love was released on Reprise in December of 1967 (Barger, 1). The album was released in 1967 was thought to be the breaking point of a successful music year. Suffering from depression a drug abuse Hendrix’s became burden by society’s viewpoints. He became overwhelmed and continued to use. In 1968, Hendrix took on a mission of performing and playing 54 concerts in 47 days which seemed impossible to many other musicians. But Jimi’s passion for music encouraged him to participate. Hendrix’s image became distorted in his eyes; the wild and eccentric guitarist was suffering. During these concerts, his passion was not up to par and fans became unsatisfied with his lackadaisical attitude towards putting on a great show.