Started in London, in 1966, The Jimi Hendrix Experienced was a rock band that could best be described as American-English. This band was made up of bassist Noel Redding, drummer Mitch Mitchell, and guitarist, singer, and songwriter Jimi Hendrix. From the name of the group, it is quite obvious that it was led by Jimi Hendrix. This group was active between September 1966 and June 1969. As an active group, it was one of the most popular rock bands and went released three studio albums.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience had a major influence in making hard rock popular. It also was known for the charismatic performance of the lead singer, Jimi Hendrix, its style, and its skill. This band was so successful and had its three studio albums featured the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The first album; Are You Experienced released in 1967 made it to number 15. The second album, Axis; Bold as Love which was also released in 1967 was number 82 on the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, and the last; Electric Ladyland, released in 1968 was number 54. Beyond being a famous rock band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience was made of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Life for Jimi Hendrix after The Jimi Hendrix Experience
After the breakup of this band in 1969, the singer and songwriter of this band, Jimi Hendrix tried working with various lineups. After being unsuccessful with this, in 1970, he went on to record with bassist Billy Cox and Mitchell. With this two people, he began The Cry of Love Tour. This new group did not have a name. They, therefore, were called the “ Jimi Hendrix Experience”. While this title did not get formalized, it made appearances on some albums that were not released with Redding.
Jimi Hendrix’s Arrival in England
Jimi Hendrix was not born in England. However, on September 24, 1966, he made his way to England. After arriving in England, he teamed up with one-time Animals bassist, Chas Chandler who became his manager. Alongside his new manager, he started a band with drummer Mitch Mitchell, and bassist Noel Redding.
Prior to working with Jimi Hendrix, Mitch Mitchell was a drummer with Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames. Although bassist Noel Redding was not the only available bassist, Jimi decided to work with Redding because of his hairstyle, as well as his approach to music. Prior to working with Jimi Hendrix, Redding was a guitar player. However, when he began working with Jimi, he worked as a bass player.
With a name formed by Michael Jeffery, The Jimi Hendrix Experience had its first appearance in France. This was at the Novelty in Evreux, France in October 1966. This was followed by a gig in the United Kingdom six days later. This gig took place at the Scotch of St James.
How did The Experience Fare
A lot of people considered the Experience to simply be nothing more than a back-up band for Hendrix, they went ahead to gain both critical acclaim and fame. Although the Jimi Hendrix Experience was not the first to adopt the power trio style, it made this style very popular. This style simply made a rock band all about drums, bass, and guitar. Since there was no guitar player in the group, Jimi worked as a lead singer and a guitar player. He was able to alter the sound of his guitar through the use of wah-wah pedals.
Although this band was known for the quality of its music, there was some more to it. As a band, Jimi Hendrix Experience played a lot of attention to hairstyles and clothes. This rock band did not necessarily start out big. It, however, grew very rapidly. Not too long after it was set up, performances by this group had some of the biggest names in the rock world in attendance. Some of these people were members of the rolling stone and the Beatles. They also had Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck in attendance, who were both guitar players.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience had lots of fans among simple music lovers. Their admirers, however, were not just fans. They were also admired by lots of professionals.
According to Pete Townshend of the Who’s, Jimi singlehandedly altered what the electric guitar was all about and made those that came to the scene before him almost obsolete. Pete Townshend was not the only one that was of the idea that Jimi Hendrix had really changed the game. Clapton was also of the same opinion.
After making waves in the United Kingdom and Europe, the Jimi Hendrix Experience moved on to the United States. They achieved a great deal of prominence in the United States. This came after they played in the Monterey Pop Festival. This festival is not just big. It is one of the biggest rock music festivals in the United States. After the performances at this festival came to an end, Jimi set his guitar on fire. This festival was followed by a tour that only lasted two weeks. This tour was done alongside the Monkees. It, however, lasted just two weeks because they did not get the level of response they were looking to get
Hit Songs
The Jimi Hendrix Experience was not successful and popular by fluke. It owes is a great deal of success to its many hit songs. Alongside the Experience, Hendrix recorded and released a lot of hit singles. Some of these hit singles include “All Along the Watchtower”, “Burning of the Midnight Lamp”, ” The Wind Cries Mary”, “Purple Haze”, and “Hey Joe”.
It does not appear like the Jimi Hendrix Experience was designed to end so soon. However, it could not continue for a long time because of the relationship between Jimi Hendrix and Redding was rapidly deteriorating. Also, Jimi felt he was not developing as a musician because of the trio style he made use of. He, therefore, decided to expand the grope. He, however, did not talk to Redding about it. On hearing the group was being expanded without him being aware, Redding quit and left the United States.
