All Along the Watchtower

When one thinks of the 60’s, there’s a good chance one thinks of Jimi Hendrix. But who is Jimi Hendrix?

Jimi Hendrix is one of the most famous psychedelic artists of the 60’s. Some of his most famous songs are covers ("All Along the Watchtower" is originally written by folk rock artist Bob Dylan). "Hey Joe" is also a famous cover. His guitar works feature many innovative techniques (i.e. wa-wa peddle and using teeth on guitar) No, he didn't use a violin bow; that was Jimmy Page. Unlike most famous rockers, Jimi Hendrix was mixed race. Due to his fame in the rock community, many black musicians went out into the music scene, thanks to him.

Jimi Hendrix was also well-known friends with many musicians. Some think that Hendrix and Eric Clapton (guitarist of Cream) hated each other, but they were good friends (Hendrix even covered "Sunshine of Your Love"). Hendrix was made famous and signed onto a record company by British band The Who. Jimi was also a Beatles fan and said "They’re the one group you can’t put down." And some think of a rivalry between Hendrix and Jimmy Page, but that isn't true either! John Bonham (Jimmy Page’s drummer for Led Zeppelin) was even complimented by Hendrix himself! On one of Jimi’s posthumous albums, "Bleeding Heart" has guest vocals from Doors front man Jim Morrison.

And this November, according to Reuters, PBS is releasing "Hear my Train a Comin," a new Jimi Hendrix documentary, which is coincidental, because Jimi’s birth month is November. The document depicts more hidden gems of his legacy (his afro is a legacy too!).

-Catherine Cober