Jimi Hendrix

James Marshall 'Jimi' Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American musician, widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music. He was born in Seattle, Washington and began his career in music at the young age of 15. After serving a short period in the US Army, he began performing professionally on the R&B circuit. He later formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience Band, which saw him rise to fame with hit tracks such as 'Hey Joe', 'Purple Haze', and 'The Wind Cries Mary'. He continued to revolutionize music with his innovate guitar sounds and techniques - from feedback to distortion and other sound-altering effects. He also achieved numerous awards as well as posthumous inclusions in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame.

He was of mixed heritage, with African-American and Caucasian ancestry. His paternal grandmother was a dancer and performer and he had a deep interest in music from a young age. Personal life was plagued with difficulties - from familial issues and alleged incidence of sexual abuse, to problems with drugs and alcohol. In fact, his unexpected death at 27, from aspirating his own vomit after overdosing on barbiturates, has been memorialized in the popular '27 Club'. Jimi Hendrix's innovative and influential career, though short-lived, is remembered as one of the most impactful in rock music history.