Jimi Hendrix with Guitar

Black and white illustration of Jimi Hendrix holding a guitar on a white background

Jimi Hendrix was only 27 years old when he died of drug complications in 1970 but he left an unsurpassed mark on the music world. He began playing the guitar when he was only a young boy. Hendrix served in the United States Army as a paratrooper but was honorably discharged after an injury. He played backup for such notables as B.B. King, Sam Cooke, and the Isley Brothers. Hendrix found great success as a musician after he moved to London. While there he released his first single, “Hey Joe”, which displayed both his innovative sound and guitar playing skills. His rendition of the “Star Spangled Banner” at the Woodstock Music Festival in 1969 is considered one of his greatest performances.