Jimi

by Janie Hendrix, John McDermott

JIMI is the ultimate tribute to the greatest guitar player in rock and roll history, celebrating what would have been Jimi Hendrix's 80th birthday on November 27, 2022. This comprehensive visual celebration is an official collaboration with Jimi's sister, Janie Hendrix, and John McDermott of Experience Hendrix L.L.C. JIMI significantly expands on the authors' previously published titles, including An Illustrated Experience, and features a new introduction by Janie, extensive biographical texts, and a trove of lesser known and never-before-published photographs, personal memorabilia, lyrics, and more. Additionally, JIMI includes quotations by legendary musicians, such as Paul McCartney, Ron Wood, Jeff Beck, Lenny Kravitz, Drake, Dave Grohl, and others who have spoken about Hendrix's lasting influence.


In the four years before his untimely death at age 27, Jimi Hendrix created a groundbreaking musical legacy, one that includes revered classics such as "Purple Haze" and "Voodoo Child." His signature guitar playing, provocative songwriting, and charismatic performances have continued to inspire legions of musicians and fans alike.

Genres: Music, Biography, Coffee Table Books, Nonfiction

320 pages, Hardcover

Published November 8, 2022

Reviews

[David Czuba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I opened the sole Christmas gift from my wife to find Jimi at 80, a book I knew I would want in the coming year. And here it is. His sister Janie, a fierce defender of Jimi's legacy, opens the book with lessons from her brother's short but productive life. In words only a family member could write, she expresses how great he looks at 80, making us pause to think what would Jimi look like, what would he be doing now. Surely something wonderful.

My previous Hendrix reading experience was through Seattle-native Charles R. Cross's epic Room Full of Mirrors, so I reasoned it would have to be a monumental tribute for anyone to tackle a picture book on Hendrix. The publishing crew did a beautiful graphic job on both the exterior and interior while retaining a family album feel and keeping the text brief, informative, and highly personal. The reader thus never finds him or herself turning the pages nonchalantly. This isn't a coffee table book to mindlessly flip through. It's one of the reasons I held off purchasing the 'other' Jimmy's picture book (Page's, that is). I don't seek spectacle, but knowledge. This book provides the appropriate pace and depth. It adds to the Hendrix biography as it subducts from his mythology. I think Jimi, if he were alive, would want it that way. And thanks to the family's long-suffering generosity, he's still with us.

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biography of Jimi Hendrix. Includes so many great photos, ephemera, and interview snippets. Written in part by Janie, Jimi's sister. Hendrix is one of the all-time greats. I'm grateful he shaped music the way he did and decades later I can still enjoy his brilliance.

[R.J.]

Hendrix remains an icon, and arguably the greatest.