On the 35th anniversary of his death come the definitive biography of rock 'n' roll legend Jimi Hendrix - by the New York Times bestselling author ...
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Jun 01, 2008
Kevin
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The best part of this book, like all rock biographies, is the beginning. Where he came from, what shaped him. Once somebody becomes successful, they're less interesting by default. Especially rock stars. They played this show, they played that show, they were friends with this famous person and that one, they did these drugs, this person was ripping them off, they were on TV, they wasted their money on this stupid shit... It's all paint-by-numbers. It's all a Rolling Stone cover interview,
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Aug 28, 2008
Tom
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This felt like a long article from "Uncut" rather than a book. Lots of details, some period colour, and some anecdotes I hadn't heard before : but very little scene-setting, history, analysis, and also not much show of enthusiasm for the subject.
As a comparison, Charles Shaar Murray's Hendrix bio Crosstown Traffic: Jimi Hendrix and Post-War Pop is more breathless but works hard to place Hendrix in a context of Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Miles Davis, Segovia.
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As a comparison, Charles Shaar Murray's Hendrix bio Crosstown Traffic: Jimi Hendrix and Post-War Pop is more breathless but works hard to place Hendrix in a context of Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Miles Davis, Segovia.
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Sep 12, 2011
The legacy of Jimi Hendrix quickly came to an end when he died at the age of 27 on September 18, 1970. This book takes you back to the very start of his life, how his career sprang into action, and what went on behind the scene.
Jimi Hendrix was born in Seattle by his 17 year old mother, on November 17, 1942. When he was 15, he got his first acoustic guitar. He was self taught by taking advice from experienced players, listening to records and nonstop practice. He'd been getting in trouble More...
Jimi Hendrix was born in Seattle by his 17 year old mother, on November 17, 1942. When he was 15, he got his first acoustic guitar. He was self taught by taking advice from experienced players, listening to records and nonstop practice. He'd been getting in trouble More...
Jul 26, 2011
Alison
rated it: 
A well written, informative biography of Jimi Hendrix. We had just watched "Woodstock" again which left me wanting to know about the life of a very talented guitar player. The book did not disappoint. Jimi came from a troubled home which set the tone for the rest of his young life. His parent's relationship with one another and his mother (whom he loved) leaving the home and leaving Jimi and his brother's care to the father (who was a role model of the wrong ilk) provided the rocky
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Jul 03, 2010
Irene
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A well written account of how Jimi Hendrix evolved into the master guitarist known all over the world. He grew up in Seattle in a brokene home, desperately poor. He receives his first guitar at age 9 or 10 and from that point on he never stops learning his instrument, eventually becoming what many considered the best guitarist in the world. His rise to stardom was classic. He spent years on the road playing with different bands and barely making a living. Musicians appreciated his genius but it
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Jul 07, 2011
Steve
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Generally speaking I really enjoyed this book....I am a hater of biographies but because I am a massive Hendrix fan I decided to give this a go.
The amount of facts in this book is incredible and I can only imagine the amount of work the author went to, to gather up all that detail. But this maybe a potential problem for some, the author laid out the facts about Hendrix without dramatising it too much. For me this wasn't an issue since I knew all of Hendrix's songs I enjoyed getting t More...
The amount of facts in this book is incredible and I can only imagine the amount of work the author went to, to gather up all that detail. But this maybe a potential problem for some, the author laid out the facts about Hendrix without dramatising it too much. For me this wasn't an issue since I knew all of Hendrix's songs I enjoyed getting t More...
Apr 06, 2009
Jim
rated it:
Biography is a weird format, it is the only genre where the reader already knows the outcome, the death of the hero. Jimi Hendrix’s death is one of the most famous of Rock ‘n’ Roll deaths, the first of the triumvirate of legendary deaths of the 60’s, Hendrix, Janis, and Jim Morrison, sort of Rock ’n’ Roll trinity.
Charles Cross’ first biography is the critically acclaimed Heavier Than Heaven, the biography of Kurt Cobain. What do Cobain and Hendrix have in common? They’re both from Se More...
Charles Cross’ first biography is the critically acclaimed Heavier Than Heaven, the biography of Kurt Cobain. What do Cobain and Hendrix have in common? They’re both from Se More...
Feb 17, 2010
Adam
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Room Full of Mirrors is a really compelling and inspiring biography of one of the most fascinating musicians to ever live. Charles R. Cross describes the life of one of the greatest rock and roll artists to live. The struggles of living the rock and roll life, and surviving on sex, drugs, and rock n' roll. Not only does it describe the life of Jimi Hendix, but it also describes the hippie movement of the 60's, and growing up as a black child in the 40's and the prejudice against african american
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Aug 21, 2011
Lemar
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Meticulous research makes for a clear look at this man who became a legend in his own brief time. Cross does not employ flashy prose to bring this flashy artist to life but is able to put us there in each phase of his life so that we understand (his take on) Jimi and the prevailing atmosphere in which he found himself. Written at the perfect moment (2005) when passions and legal wrangling had mostly subsided yet many of the protagonist were still around to be interviewed, Cross is the perfect
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Jun 06, 2011
John
rated it:
Okay,okay this is the best Hendrix biography, well researched and well-written, with a feeling for the man and his music.
However, this book is so damned sad it gave me the willies for weeks on end. The thought of Jimi suffering the way he did HIS WHOLE LIFE was just too much for me to take. Such a towering talent and a man who so many loved so dearly and a man whose music reverberates through our culture so thoroughly and whose music I have unceasingly listened to for 44 years - his More...
However, this book is so damned sad it gave me the willies for weeks on end. The thought of Jimi suffering the way he did HIS WHOLE LIFE was just too much for me to take. Such a towering talent and a man who so many loved so dearly and a man whose music reverberates through our culture so thoroughly and whose music I have unceasingly listened to for 44 years - his More...
Jan 30, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
This book was extremely amazing.
It begins with Jimi's life as a young child, and builds up to his life as an adult.
It's obvious that Cross REALLY did his research because all of his connections who he interviewed were extremely personal, and each of them had a close relationship with Jimi.
The most interesting parts for me entailed the people that Jimi met along the road to stardom, and how Cross just captured his life so well.
There were also some parts t More...
It begins with Jimi's life as a young child, and builds up to his life as an adult.
It's obvious that Cross REALLY did his research because all of his connections who he interviewed were extremely personal, and each of them had a close relationship with Jimi.
The most interesting parts for me entailed the people that Jimi met along the road to stardom, and how Cross just captured his life so well.
There were also some parts t More...
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Aug 06, 2009
Jason
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This book suffered from what a lot of biographies do.
It was written by someone who does not necessarily appreciate the subject, nor is he a good journalist.
There is little to no detailed discussion of music, and there is no analysis at all, which is, right or wrong, one of the main aspects of a major musician's life I want to read about.
There are many goofy factual errors, names mis-spelled, that sort of thing, and the author also had the odd habit of dropping in stateme More...
It was written by someone who does not necessarily appreciate the subject, nor is he a good journalist.
There is little to no detailed discussion of music, and there is no analysis at all, which is, right or wrong, one of the main aspects of a major musician's life I want to read about.
There are many goofy factual errors, names mis-spelled, that sort of thing, and the author also had the odd habit of dropping in stateme More...
Jan 23, 2008
karen
rated it:
Loved this book. It is a true account of Jimi's life, from the beginning to the very end. This book examines his passion for music; he slept with his guitar in his early years. The author takes you on a journey of Jimi Hendrix the musician, the son, the lover the partier and the brother. He seemed like a really good guy, and was truly talented. He weaved through different bands before becoming "Jimi Hendrix", eventually resenting the mainstream perception of who he was as an artist. He
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Jun 11, 2010
Rich
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Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix (Paperback) by Charles R. Cross is all about Jimi Hendrix's life. His life a child to an adult. his main internal conflict is drugs. his main external conflict is he's dead.
while reading this book i made a text-to-self connection. based on how i play guitar and so did Jimi. he also wasn't much of an athelete and neither am i
i would give this book 5 out of five stars. this book is about the number one greatest guitar player More...
while reading this book i made a text-to-self connection. based on how i play guitar and so did Jimi. he also wasn't much of an athelete and neither am i
i would give this book 5 out of five stars. this book is about the number one greatest guitar player More...
Oct 29, 2011
Todd
rated it:
Room Full of Mirrors is a well researched and fair account of the life of Jimi Hendrix. Although clearly a fan, Cross doesn't shy away from the negative side of Hendrix, which included drug use (surprise?) and violence.
More than 40 years after his death, Hendrix is still considered one of the most innovative, talented and influential guitar players of all time. It's remarkable to think that the entirety of his solo career spanned only 4.5 years.
More than 40 years after his death, Hendrix is still considered one of the most innovative, talented and influential guitar players of all time. It's remarkable to think that the entirety of his solo career spanned only 4.5 years.
Feb 03, 2011
billy
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The best part of this book like all biographies is the beginning. It’s interesting to know what has happened to Jimi Hendrix in his early years. It’s good to know where he came from and the struggles he had to go through to reach stardom. It’s interesting to read about Jimi playing at small clubs in queens to going to London and playing while Eric Clapton (the best guitarist in history) was in-between set breaks. I liked this book because I like Jimi Hendrix. I enjoyed reading about a great mu
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Jul 14, 2011
Traceface
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it took me my whole life to read this book, yo. it was way long and kind if meandered in some spots. but worth it to read the story of one of my favorite musicians of all time. it was informative, but i feel like if jimi read this book, he'd be like 'wtf man? you talkin too much, jack. actin like a clown. that ain't cool, i don't dig it.'
'cause jimi hendrix says things like that in my head.
'cause jimi hendrix says things like that in my head.
Dec 15, 2008
Elionora
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This book was an amazing biography, it was definitely very well detailed and inspiring. It gave you insight on his early life and a more personal depth that can only paint Jimi Hendrix as a tragic and relateable artist. Charles R. Crosses uses interviews and research in a very beautiful account of a life that has marked the hearts of many fans across the world.
Feb 03, 2010
Chaz
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holy shit did i enjoy this. granted i read the first 40 pages then put the book down for a couple years but the second time i picked it up i couldnt put it down. i dont know what else to say but wow. its almost amazing that he made it 27, dude lived hard. and he lived for making tunes. if you dig music this is a must read. and ps im not the hugest hendrix fan.
May 22, 2010
Joe
rated it:
a close look at the best guitarist we have ever seen and how he couldn'
t shake the state of poverty he grew up with. Hendrix's unwillingness to take a vacation, to stop earning and spending money burnt him out. A genius on the guitar, chock full of talent, that original poor state of mind stole a full life for himself and his audience.
t shake the state of poverty he grew up with. Hendrix's unwillingness to take a vacation, to stop earning and spending money burnt him out. A genius on the guitar, chock full of talent, that original poor state of mind stole a full life for himself and his audience.
Aug 12, 2009
Jeremy
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This is hands down the best biography I have ever read. Sometimes I find a biography taxing because at certain points, it is just a blast of dates and minor details. Charles Cross does a fantastic job of making an interesting read the whole way through. I learned oodles of information on Hendrix that I hadn't known before. Very informative. I rate this a 5!
Dec 07, 2009
Will
rated it:
I have to agree with most of these reviews. The book is rather elongated and contains a number of small details, many of which do not further the book much. However, in general, Room Full of Mirrors is an excellent account of the rather crazy life of one of the most famous guitarists of all time.
Jun 16, 2011
Norberto
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Jimi Hendrix: the greatest guitarist who ever lived. I'm pretty sure the book never states that outright, but I don't think many people reading the book would dispute the statement. The book follows Jimi's life from his birth (his original given name was Johnny Allen Hendrix) to his early death of what is most commonly believed (and what the book describes) to be asphyxiation on his own vomit from being to out of it from alcohol and sleeping pills to wake himself up. You'll find out all sorts of
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May 27, 2008
Rhonda
rated it:
Wow. What a STELLAR biography. It is both incredibly well written and so thoroughly researched.
Sometimes biographies can be stilted and dry, but this book has been a real page-turner and I've learned SO much from it, not just about Jimi, but about the state of America (especially for African Americans) in the 1960s, the political/civil rights/socioeconomic issues of the times, the British "explosion" on the music scene, local music scenes of the times in general - Seatt More...
Sometimes biographies can be stilted and dry, but this book has been a real page-turner and I've learned SO much from it, not just about Jimi, but about the state of America (especially for African Americans) in the 1960s, the political/civil rights/socioeconomic issues of the times, the British "explosion" on the music scene, local music scenes of the times in general - Seatt More...
Aug 08, 2008
Andrew
rated it:
Written by Charles Cross who used to run the Rocket. The fullest documentation of Hendrix's youth in Seattle where he spent the first two-thirds of his life. Lived in the Central District, Rainier Valley, attended several Seattle Public Schools, flunked out of Garfield, and cultivated a primary part of his guitar aesthetic during the Northwest garage era.
Of all rock'n'roll deaths only Hendrix was at the height of his powers. He had at least another decade of immense productivity a More...
Of all rock'n'roll deaths only Hendrix was at the height of his powers. He had at least another decade of immense productivity a More...
Nov 23, 2009
Landon
rated it:
This was a very entertaining and enjoyable biography on Hendrix. It went into fantastic detail on not just his music, but his family life and the hardships he faced being a black musician. I enjoyed every page and went through every emotion reading it.
Dec 15, 2008
Ebony
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Good greif! Poor Hendrix. His life was depressing before he was even born! I didn't realize how difficult his life was and his those difficulties informed his music, particularly his fragmented relationship with his mother.
Dec 06, 2010
David
rated it:
One of the biggest musical influences of my life! Great book.
"You might be listening to Jimi, but you're not hearing Jimi!" --Wesley Snipes in White Men Can't Jump.
--From A Reader's Journal, by d r melbie.
"You might be listening to Jimi, but you're not hearing Jimi!" --Wesley Snipes in White Men Can't Jump.
--From A Reader's Journal, by d r melbie.
Jan 23, 2012
Robert
rated it:
I never realized what a tough childhood he had. He made many bad choices in his life probably because of that, but, still we are all better off from his music. Guys just don't come along everyday like him. I listened to some of his stuff recently after a long time, I was hearing things I never did before and enjoying it more than ever. Timeless!
Aug 03, 2011
Less about his life than an indictment of America? Who are you? It was an incredible book about Jimi's life, the struggles he faced, and his stardom. A must read for any Hendrix fan or music fan alike.
