5 things you didn't know about Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix was well-known for his masterful guitar, his onstage antics and psychedelic sounds. His guitar and music were so influential that even 45 years after his death there are still several fans listening to his music, writing books about him and even built a museum dedicated to him. With all the knowledge they have gained about Mr. Hendrix here are 5 things they might still not know about him.

One hit wonder

Jimi Hendrix was one of the highest paid musicians, won several awards and had three albums. Despite all of the success in those areas he was “a one hit wonder”. His only top 40 hit came in 1968 with the song All along the Watchtower that was written by Bob Dylan.

Overlooked

While playing backup guitar at a nightclub in May of 1966 he caught the eye of Linda Keith, who at the time was the girlfriend of Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. Ms. Keith was impress with Mr. Hendrix and introduced him to both Andrew Long Oldman, manager of the Rolling Stones, and Seymour Stein, the producer for the Rolling Stones, but they didn't see any talent in the guitar player and decided to pass on Mr. Hendrix.

Military Service

In 1961 Jimi Hendrix had a run in with the law where he was given the choice of either two years in jail or two years in the military. He took military service and signed up for a 3-year stint with the United States Army were he was assigned to the 101^st Airborne “screaming eagles” division. Whether it was over disciplinary problems or actual medical reasons he was discharged after 17 months.

Early Career

Before he rocketing to fame Jimi Hendrix played backup guitar for some of the biggest names of the 1960 rhythm & blues scene. There was Ike & Tina Turner, Little Richard and the Isley Brothers just to name a few.

Death

There has been plenty of debate surrounding the untimely death of Jimi Hendrix in 1970. According to the official report Mr. Hendrix choked on his own vomit after he accidentally took several times the dosage of a sleeping pill. Mr. Hendrix was hoping for a good night sleep and borrowed the sleeping pills from his girlfriend. Not knowing that half a pill was a normal dose he took 9 of them.