Jimi Hendrix Bio (November 2024)

Jimi Hendrix was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter, known as one of the most renowned artists of the 20th century and most influential electric guitarist in popular music history.

Hendrix, a Seattle, Washington native, picked up the guitar at fifteen. In 1961, he enlisted in the US Army, but he was released the following year. Subsequently, he relocated to Clarksville and Nashville, Tennessee, where he started performing on the chitlin’ circuit. 

He was eventually accepted into the backing band of the Isley Brothers and Little Richard, with whom he remained employed until the middle of 1965. Hendrix achieved international fame with his electrifying performances at the Woodstock Festival and Monterey Pop Festival. 

Some of his most famous songs include Purple Haze, Foxy Lady, The Star-Spangled Banner and The Wind Cries Mary. Unfortunately, Hendrix’s career was cut short when he died from drug overdose at the age of 27. 

A Quick Info About Jimi Hendrix

Early Life, Family and Education

On 27 November 1942, Hendrix was born in Seattle, Washington, under the name Johnny Allen Hendrix, which his father eventually altered to James Marshall. He had a challenging upbringing and was occasionally looked for by friends or family.

When Hendrix was born, his mother, Lucille, was just 17 years old. She and his father had a tumultuous relationship that ended with her leaving the family after they produced two more kids, Leon and Joseph. Hendrix saw his mother only occasionally until she passed away in 1958.

For Hendrix, music essentially became a haven. He loved rock & roll and the blues, and he taught himself how to play the guitar with the help of his father.

Educational Background

At sixteen, Hendrix’s father gave him his first guitar, an acoustic model that he had to turn upside down to play, then an electric guitar the following year, a right-handed Supro Ozark. Shortly after, he started playing with his band, the Rocking Kings. He left high school in 1959 and continued to pursue his musical goals while working odd jobs.

Jimi Hendrix’s Height, Weight and Body Stats

Career

• 1957-1961:- Hendrix began his music career by playing in various bands around Seattle, honing his skills as a guitarist for various R&B groups, including Little Richard, Isley Brothers and Ika & Tina Turner.
• 1966:- Moved to England and formed the band Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell.
• 1967:- Band’s first album Are You Experienced was released, which becomes a major success with hits like Purple Haze.
• 1968:- Released Electric Ladyland, the final studio album with the band Jimi Hendrix Experience.
• 1969:- Disbanded Jimi Hendrix Experience and formed the band Gypsys with bassist Billy Cox, and drummer Buddy Miles.
• 1970:- Sadly, Hendrix died in London at the age of 27 due to drug overdose. 
• 1971-2024:- Numerous posthumous albums and unreleased recordings continue to be released, keeping Hendrix’s music alive for generations to come. He also inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Jimi Hendrix’s Net Worth

At the time of his passing, Hendrix had an estimated net worth of only $20,000. It’s equivalent to almost $150,000 in today’s dollars, inflation included. 

Was Jimi Hendrix Married?

There are a lot confusions around Hendrix’s marriage. Officially speaking, he was never married. However, he was involved in several relationships. His most notable relationship with Kathy Etchingham. In his last days, Hendrix was with Monika Dannemann.

Children

Yes, indeed! It is rumored that Jimi Hendrix had children before his passing. Tamika Laurice James Hendrix was reportedly his oldest daughter born to Diana Carpenter. 

In addition, Hendrix had a son, James Daniel Sundquist from Eva Sundquist. Tamika and Daniel are siblings, although they didn’t get along well.

Throughout his life, Hendrix never acknowledged any children in public. 

Cause of Death

On 18 September 1970, famous American guitarist, Jimi Hendrix died by asphyxia due to a barbiturate overdose. According to the post-mortem examination, he had aspirated his own vomit. On 1 October 1970, Hendrix was burried in Greenwood Memorial Park & Funeral Home, Renton, Washington, United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When and Where was Jimi Hendrix Born?

On 27 November 1942, Hendrix was born in Seattle, Washington, US.

2. When did Jimi Hendrix Die?

Hendrix died on 18 September 1970.

3. What was Jimi Hendrix’s Age At the Time of his Death?

Hendrix was 27 years old when he died from drug overdose.

4. How many Posthumous Albums were Released After Jimi Hendrix’s Death?

Following Hendrix’s passing, several posthumous CDs containing previously unheard tracks and live performances were made available, preserving his music for new and old admirers.

5. What Impact did Jimi Hendrix Have on People?

With his explosive guitar skills, Hendrix changed the way people approached the instrument and expanded the possibilities of rock music.

6. What Kind of Guitars were Jimi Hendrix Favourite?

Hendrix’s favourite guitars were the Stratocaster.