Jimi Hendrix

Music is a universal language, and a man by the name of Jimi Hendrix changed it forever. In Hendrix's short life he shaped the way music would be created for many generations to come. Seattle Washington 1942, Johnny, better known as Jimi Hendrix was born. 11 years later he picked up a guitar for the first time, not knowing it would change the world of art as we know it. Performing with many small groups Jimi worked hard to get to the top of the billboards. Though his fame and glory was cut short by a tragic untimely death. A hero must possess talent, bravery, and innovative ideas. Heroes change the world for the better and that is exactly what Jimi Hendrix did using his talent and new ideas.

Jimi Hendrix portrait (http://psychedelicadventure.blogspot.com/ (http://psychedelicadventure.blogspot.com/))

Jimi Hendrix is known throughout the world for his unique and stunning guitar playing and vocals. Jimi Hendrix has been recognized by many magazines and organizations for his outstanding artistic abilities. "Rolling Stone magazine's performer of the year and rock and roll album of the year, 1968;"(Jimi Hendrix.) Hendrix's natural talent led to the fame and glory he is known for today. His unique style, booming vocals and intricate guitar playing really set him apart from other musicians of his day and got him into the spotlight. Hendrix was not just rewarded by other artists, but he was also rewarded by his home town." presented key to the city of Seattle, 1968;" (Jimi Hendrix.) After his vast success in the music industry he was given a key to the city in the city he was born.

Jimi Hendrix playing guitar (http://uptownmagazine.com/2012/05/jimi-hendrix-estate-not-on-board-for-biopic-starring-andre-3000/ ( CamilleTravis))

Jimi Hendrix did much more than make music and perform, he also served in the United States army as a paratrooper which requires a great amount of bravery. Many musicians during the 60's and 70's wrote songs about the Vietnam war but Jimi Hendrix was a soldier in the war. "Hendrix enlisted in the United States Army in 1961 and trained at Fort Ord in California to become a paratrooper."(A&E) This quote shows that Hendrix was not drafted, but he chose to enlist in the army, and serve for our country. While in the army he did not lose touch with artistic abilities. "As an Army paratrooper, Hendrix followed up a jump by trying to recreate the sound of the air rushing by, with his guitar and amplifier, back at the barracks."(A&E) Many people would crumble under the stress of the military but Hendrix managed to maintain his true self. It takes bravery to risk your life for the safety of your country, bravery that Jimi Hendrix had.

Very few musicians are known for being innovative and changing the culture of their genre, but Jimi Hendrix is one of the select few who did. Jimi received a lot of publicity for his very likeable style, and won many rewards. "Elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (as a member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience) in 1992."(A&E) Even many years after his death Jimi Hendrix continues to change the world of music. Too this day very few have been considered to preform at Jimi's level. No matter how many of his songs you listen to you never get bored and there is never a dull moment because each of his songs are unique in their own way. "Named pop musician of the year by Melody Maker magazine, 1967 and 1968;"(Jimi Hendrix) Two years in a row Jimi Hendrix was named pop musician of the year, which means he consistently made outstanding music that stood out from all other songs.

Heroes act to change the world around them for the better. Even though many people might not know it, Jimi Hendrix more than likely had some affect on the new music you listen to. Jimi Hendrix inspires me because he pioneered sound, a place not many men have been before, and he changed the world with a guitar and an amplifier. Music affects people in many ways, and having a brave, talented and innovative man like Jimi Hendrix making music can only affect you for the better.

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Brattin, Joel J., and Brattin Joel J. "Jimi Hendrix." Musicians And Composers Of The Twentieth Century (2009): 1. Biography Reference Center. Web. 9 May 2012.

"Jimi Hendrix." Contemporary Musicians. Vol. 2. Detroit: Gale, 1989. Gale Biography In Context. Web. 3 May 2012.

IMDb. "Jimi Hendrix." IMDb. IMDb.com. Web. 10 May 2012. .

"Psychedelic Adventure." Weblog post. Psychedelic Adventure. Blogspot.com. Web. 17 May 2012. .

Travis, Camille. "UPTOWN Magazine;� Jimi Hendrix Estate Not On Board For Biopic Starring Andre 3000." UPTOWN Magazine � Jimi Hendrix Estate Not On Board For Biopic Starring Andre 3000. 10 May 2012. Web. 17 May 2012. .�