Jimi Hendrix - Red House

James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix (1942–1970), was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter. He is widely considered to be the greatest electric guitarist in musical history, and one of the most influential musicians of his era across a range of genres. As a record producer, Hendrix also broke new ground in using the recording studio as an extension of his musical ideas. He was one of the first to experiment with stereophonic phasing effects for rock recording. Hendrix was influenced by blues artists such as B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Albert King and Elmore James; rhythm and blues and soul guitarists Curtis Mayfield, Steve Cropper, as well as by funk and some modern jazz. Jimi got his big break early in 1966 at the Cheetah Club on Broadway at 53rd Street. Linda Keith, the girlfriend of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, befriended Hendrix and recommended him to Stones' manager Andrew Loog Oldham and later, producer Seymour Stein. Neither man took a liking to Hendrix's music, and they both passed. She then referred Hendrix to Chas Chandler, who was ending his tenure as bassist in The Animals and looking for talent to manage and produce. Chandler liked the song "Hey Joe" and was convinced he could create a hit single with the right artist. Chas is responsible for changing "Jimmy" to "Jimi" and forming the band The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Early on September 18, 1970, Jimi Hendrix died in London. According to his current girlfriend (Monika Dannemann), Hendrix, had taken nine of her prescribed Vesperax sleeping pills (unknown to her at the time). The normal medical dose was half a tablet, but Hendrix was unfamiliar with this very strong German brand. According to surgeon John Bannister, the doctor who initially attended to him, Hendrix had asphyxiated in his own vomit, mainly red wine which had filled his airways, as an autopsy later confirmed. There is much mystery surrounding his death due to contradictions with Dannemann's changing stories. There has also been allegations that he might have been murdered by his manager Mike Jeffery. Jimi is also a part of the 27 club, a group including iconic 1960s rock stars who suffered drug-related deaths at the age of 27 within a two year period, leaving legacies in death that have eclipsed the popularity and influence they experienced during their lifetimes. Kurt Cobain was later added to this list, also dying at the age of 27. Sit back for a nice and long version of "Red House" this Sunday afternoon. This song is off of his 1966 release Are You Experienced.

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