There would be no better way to initiate this page than to mention the most lovely man who ever did live. James Marshall Hendrix was born on November 27th, 1942, in Seattle. Jimi's career was long in gestation: though he deeply desired to play the guitar, his father was unable to purchase him one until he was in his late teens. After a stint in the military and several years touring on the "Chitlin Circuit" in the band of Little Richard and others, Jimi moved to New York City, where he continued to struggle as a musician in the West Village. One evening, Keith Richards' wife Linda saw him play in a tiny club - it was soon after that he was brought to England, where his incredible talent, drive, and almost supernatural élan struck the world of blues and rock guitar wide open. He furiously toured and recorded (including in his landmark NYC studio, Electric Lady), until his untimely death a mere four years later. His influence is untouchable: Jimi was a game-changer in an idiom which is the bedrock of all American (and by proxy, international) popular music. Still, his ouvre of recordings and performances continue to inspire and refresh. Personally, to see Hendrix perform, bending and twisting sound around time and space, all while singing, engaging in flashy behind-the-back stage embellishments, and also, for the love of god, chewing gum, is absolutely electrifying. Also, he was a stone-cold fox, a true honey, and a fabulous dresser (hello to that iconic gold-braid jacket, the kimonos and fringed leather jacket!). He had soft eyes and a soft voice, and humility. Jimi Hendrix is a babe for all time. While I know, intellectually, that he was just a man, a human being, with a soul and faults and feelings, to me he is more. He never fails to enchant me, and I idolize him and am thankful for the spell that he casts over me time and time again. I'm sure that wherever this angel flies, that he forgives me. Love, Norty
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Susan norton
...is here to talk about the Feast of Life. Yum yum yum! Archives
September 2015
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