Jimi Hendrix didn’t invent playing the electric guitar, but he took it to a level not seen before — and arguably never duplicated since his passing from a drug overdose on September 18, 1970, at only 27 years old. He was also a tremendous songwriter who created timeless rock classics, though he only released three studio albums. His live performances were legendary, and his “Star Spangled Banner” at the Woodstock festival is one of the most iconic concert moments in rock history. Here are ten of Jimi Hendrix’s greatest songs:
The Wind Cries Mary (1967)
In 1967, the Jimi Hendrix Experience released one of the greatest debut rock albums ever with Are You Experienced. The album showcased Hendrix’s songwriting and guitar playing on the psychedelic masterpiece “The Wind Cries Mary.” The song shows off a Curtis Mayfield influence — which makes sense, as Hendrix had once played in Mayfield’s backing band. “Curtis was a really good guitarist… I learned a lot in that short time. He probably influenced me more than anyone I’d ever played with up to that time, that sweet sound of his, you know.”
Purple Haze (1967)
“Purple Haze” was a single in England, but it was included on the North American edition of Are You Experienced. The iconic guitar riff and Jimi’s use of the fuzz pedal make the song a rock classic. Hendrix pushed the envelope for guitarists in using pedals and amps to discover new tones. On “Purple Haze,” he uses an octave pedal called the Octavia, designed for him by Roger Mayer, and a Fuzz Face pedal.
“Jimi Hendrix is very important. He’s my idol. He sort of epitomizes, from his presentation on stage, the whole works of a rock star. There’s no way you can compare him. You either have the magic or you don’t. There’s no way you can work up to it. There’s nobody who can take his place.”
—Freddie Mercury, Circus Magazine, 1975
Hey Joe (1966)
“Hey Joe” has been recorded by many artists, including the Byrds. but the Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded the best known version. The track was the first single for the Experience and was included in the North American release of Are You Experienced. “Hey Joe” was the last song of Jimi Hendrix’s set at Woodstock, making it the closing song of the famous rock festival.
Fire (1967)
“Fire” was one of Jimi Hendrix’s most popular songs and one he would usually play live. The song’s lyrics have sexual overtones, but its origin story is actually quite G-rated: Hendrix and his bass player Noel Redding were at Redding’s mothers house on a cold night. Hendrix asked her if he could stand by the fireplace to warm up, but their dog was already in that spot. Hendrix said, “Aw, move over, Rover, and let Jimi take over.”
Foxey Lady (1967)
Full of amp feedback with an iconic guitar riff, “Foxey Lady” is one of Jimi Hendrix’s signature songs. It was number 153 on Rolling Stone‘s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
Spanish Castle Magic (1967)
The Jimi Hendirix Experience’s second album, Axis: Bold as Love, released in December 1967, showed Jimi experimenting even further with different musical styles. The Spanish Castle was a music club in Seattle where Hendrix played as an up-and-coming musician. He uses unusual chord changes in “Spanish Castle Magic” and plays one of his iconic guitar solos.
Little Wing (1967)
“Little Wing” is one of Hendrix’s most soulful songs, and it features a beautiful guitar solo. This is another tune that was influenced by Jimi’s time in Curtis Mayfield’s band.
All Along the Watchtower (1968)
Jimi Hendrix turned the Bob Dylan song “All Along the Watchtower” into an electric guitar masterpiece, considered today to be one of rock music’s greatest songs. Years later, Dylan noted: “I liked Jimi Hendrix’s record of this and ever since he died I’ve been doing it that way… Strange how when I sing it, I always feel it’s a tribute to him in some kind of way.”
“He was very self-effacing about his music, but then when he picked up that guitar, he was just a monster.”
—Paul McCartney
Voodoo Child (Slight Return) (1968)
“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” on Electric Ladyland is a favorite of aspiring guitarists and receives regular airplay on FM rock radio. The legendary intro features Jimi’s string-bending notes and his feedback sound. The album also features a slower, 15-minute blues jam version titled “Voodoo Chile,” featuring Steve Winwood and Jack Casady.
The Star-Spangled Banner at Woodstock (1969)
Hendrix’s amplified, feedback-driven version of “The Star-Spangled Banner” was one of the most symbolic moments of the 1960s. Music critic Al Aronowitz of the New York Post wrote: “It was the most electrifying moment of Woodstock, and it was probably the single greatest moment of the sixties.” It is considered by many to be the greatest live performance in rock history.
