Death of Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix died on 18 September 1970 in Kensington, aged 27. An American guitarist, Hendrix was born in Seattle and began his career as a sideman for rhythm and blues acts before moving to London in 1966, where he formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience. His debut album Are You Experienced and singles including Purple Haze and Hey Joe made him famous almost overnight, and his performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 won over the American public. He transformed the electric guitar with feedback, distortion and inventive technique, and he played a famous version of The Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock in 1969. He died in London at 27 from drug-related asphyxia. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in rock.

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