Richie Unterberger

The Rough Guide to Jimi Hendrix is a thorough reference book about the life and music of the greatest rock guitarist of all time. It covers all the key events throughout his metamorphosis; from a misfit youngster growing up in poverty to his rise to international stardom, and from his days as a starving backup musician in the early 1960s to his triumphant appearances at the Monterey Pop and Woodstock rock festivals, not to mention his mysterious and sordid death in 1970. Special chapters are devoted to vivid description and critical evaluation of all his important studio and live albums and best thirty songs, as well as all major live and documentary Hendrix videos; his myriad musical influences from blues, soul, rock, and jazz; Hendrix-related sites and shrines; and his spectacular arsenal of guitar techniques and effects. Also including special features on overlooked aspects of his art ranging from his love of Bob Dylan's music to his relationship with the Black Power movement, The Rough Guide to Jimi Hendrix documents all dimensions of this one-of-a-kind musical genius.