Knowledge speaks, but wisdom listens. — Jimi Hendrix
Photo by CNN.com
Over the past four years of high school, I have developed a deep interest and passion for music. I have discovered my own unique (and strangely weird) sound that ranges from classical music to grunge rock. Each piece of music written, I believe, is special and contains its own story open for interpretation. The purpose of this blog is to explore the bands and artists behind these songs. I will mainly share about my personal favorites, but I will also try to explore new groups and people that I am not particularly knowledgeable about.
Jimi Hendrix, for example, is someone I’m not familiar with. Obviously, I’m aware that he is a music, and arguably a fashion icon, but his personal story and compositions are foreign to me. After doing some research, I have uncovered some amazing things about this incredible guitarist.
Photo by jimihendrix.wikia.com Photo by messynessychic.com
He was born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942. Throughout his childhood, Jimmy, as his dad called him, showed strong enthusiasm for music. Eventually, his interest led him to a five dollar acoustic guitar which he received in 1958. He quickly switched to electric guitar, his renowned instrument of choice, and began on his path to stardom. After being discharged from the Army in 1962, Jimmy made a name for himself playing with big names, like Sam Cooke and Little Richard, and eventually started his own band, Jimmy James and the Blue Flames.
Overtime, Jimmy’s career and name transformed. He became the Jimi Hendrix Experience and took the UK by storm in 1966. By 1967, he hit ground in America and reached the peak of his fame in 1969; performing at shows like the Woodstock Music & Art Fair. (Information found on jimihendrix.com)
Perhaps the most incredible feat throughout Jimi Hendrix journey is that he was unable to read and write music. He also learned to play the guitar upside down! (which I could only imagine how challenging that would be, being that I have recently started playing guitar myself). And in spite of all this, Hendrix impressively came to fame in just four years.
Overall, I now understand why Jimi Hendrix acts as an inspiration to so many guitarists. He was a groundbreaking performer, and someone I will certainly begin listening to from here on out.
Ben's Music 
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