Jimi Hendrix and his influence on pop culture

Jimi Hendrix and his influence on pop culture

Any mention of Jimi Hendrix conjures up images of burning guitars, Woodstock, and extraordinary guitar skills. His influence in the music industry speaks for itself, but his influence on pop culture is also huge.

The wider entertainment industry uses the appeal of rock gods such as Jimi Hendrix in the video game world. He features in the video game Guitar Hero World Tour, which gives fans the opportunity to emulate their guitar heroes. Another example is the use of rock stars in the online casino industry. The Jimi Hendrix slot is based on the iconic axe wielder and features the psychedelic feel associated with the 1960s. Hendrix’s influence means this is one of the most popular titles, offered by the best online casinos for players to try.

Clearly, the charisma of Hendrix as a performer plays a large role in the popularity of these video and slot games and such games provide the opportunity for new fans to become familiar with the legendary guitarist.


Ground-breaking career

In the 1960s, the United States experienced an invasion of British bands such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and The Animals. But Hendrix did things the other way round. The Seattle-born guitarist left America to break America. Hendrix was discovered by Chas Chandler, bassist with The Animals, performing at Cafe Wha? in New York. Chandler persuaded Hendrix to be part of a new band he wanted to manage in London and the rest is history.

The first album released by the Jimi Hendrix Experience was Are You Experienced in 1967. This was followed by Axis: Bold as Love the same year. The third and final album by the group entitled Electric Ladyland was released in 1968. Arguably his most famous song, Purple Haze, is widely regarded as one of the best songs of ’67.

Guitar effects

For many, the Woodstock festival is synonymous with Jimi Hendrix, and this is exemplified by his rendition of Star-Spangled Banner. Hendrix played the US national anthem with feedback and distortion, turning his performance into a form of protest as the sounds of his guitar imitated bombs and rockets. Hendrix also used his wah and fuzz pedals to create unique guitar sounds which influenced guitarists such as Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead.

Guitar Showmanship and stage presence

Hendrix took guitar showmanship to another level. He could play the guitar behind his back, but his signature move was playing with his teeth. Hendrix went one step further at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967 by pouring lighter fluid on his Stratocaster and setting it on fire.

Inspiration

Hendrix has provided inspiration to some of the greatest guitarists such as Jimmy Page and Brian May. And alongside his guitar skills, Hendrix has inspired rock stars in other ways. He was an idol for the singer and guitarist Lenny Kravitz, who is best known for songs such as Are You Gonna Go My Way and Fly Away, which was a number 1 hit in the UK in 1998.

Kravitz later moved into an apartment building in New York and one of his neighbors, Michael Goldstein, had been a friend and business associate of Hendrix. He recalled that Goldstein had seen the similarities between the two rock stars: “He always told me I performed like Jimi, even reminded him physically of Jimi, and he went on to share with me the blueprint for success that he and Jimi had created together.”

Jimi Hendrix has inspired generations of guitarists, including some of the most famous in the world. And this influence goes beyond his guitar skills, with iconic images and footage of his stagecraft being enjoyed by music lovers to this day.