James Marshall Hendrix, better known as Jimi Hendrix was a popular American rockstar. He was a singer and writer and regarded as “the greatest instrumentalist in rock history” in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Even though his career lasted only four years, he is recognized as one of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century.
Hendrix was born in Washington as the eldest of five. He spent most of his early life in poverty and suffered through a rough childhood. Due to the family’s unfavorable financial conditions, Hendrix was unable to follow his interest in music. While in Elementary school he would often carry a broom while pretending to play guitar. Later, in 1957 he discovered a ukulele while helping his father on a part-time job. The instrument which he found among a woman’s garbage, had a single string. Using his talent, Hendrix learned to play by just one note and would follow along to Elvis Presley’s music. It was not until 1958 that he secured his first proper acoustic guitar at age 15. He then formed and joined several bands eventually switching to an electric guitar. Hendrix also trained as a paratrooper in the military and formally began his career after being discharged.
At a certain point in his life, Hendrix began to drink and became addicted to alcohol and drugs. This resulted in many fights between him and those around him. His addiction to drugs eventually led to his death. Forensic reports found that he died of asphyxia while being under the influence of barbiturates. According to Monika Dannemann, he had consumed nine of her prescribed sleeping pills. He was flown to Seattle and buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Renton, Washington. The cemetery also served as the gravesite of his late mother.
James Marshall Hendrix, better known as Jimi Hendrix was a popular American rockstar. He was a singer and writer and regarded as “the greatest instrumentalist in rock history” in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Even though his career lasted only four years, he is recognized as one of the most iconic musicians of the 20th century.
Hendrix was born in Washington as the eldest of five. He spent most of his early life in poverty and suffered through a rough childhood. Due to the family’s unfavorable financial conditions, Hendrix was unable to follow his interest in music. While in Elementary school he would often carry a broom while pretending to play guitar. Later, in 1957 he discovered a ukulele while helping his father on a part-time job. The instrument which he found among a woman’s garbage, had a single string. Using his talent, Hendrix learned to play by just one note and would follow along to Elvis Presley’s music. It was not until 1958 that he secured his first proper acoustic guitar at age 15. He then formed and joined several bands eventually switching to an electric guitar. Hendrix also trained as a paratrooper in the military and formally began his career after being discharged.
At a certain point in his life, Hendrix began to drink and became addicted to alcohol and drugs. This resulted in many fights between him and those around him. His addiction to drugs eventually led to his death. Forensic reports found that he died of asphyxia while being under the influence of barbiturates. According to Monika Dannemann, he had consumed nine of her prescribed sleeping pills. He was flown to Seattle and buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Renton, Washington. The cemetery also served as the gravesite of his late mother.