The Rough Guide to Jimi Hendrix

June 15, 2009
More focused on the life than "Ultimate Hendrix" (above), this is an excellent chronicle of Jimi Hendrix from his days as a problem teenager in Seattle to his rise as a rock star. Unterberger, rock historian and author of "Unknown Legends of Rock'n'Roll", notes that Hendrix's guitar playing skills, musical innovation, and showmanship are still idolized but have never been replicated. The book includes numerous photos and side bars of information about Hendrix's life and career and chronicles everything from his early days performing as a musician in a band backing the Isley Brothers to his rise to stardom as a headline act at the Monterey Pop Festival. The book is divided into three sections, with the first section covering Hendrix's life, career, and untimely death and Part 2 covering the albums, both studio and live, and top 30 songs of his career. The final section provides a list of documentaries, web sites, films, and books about Hendrix and an overview of the musicians and musical styles that influenced his music. BOTTOM LINE This resource is more than a story of a great musician's life and his lasting legacy; it is also a revealing glimpse into the music of the 1960s. A nice addition to any public or academic library looking to expand its music collection and where other "Rough Guides" have proven to circulate well.Diane Fulkerson, Univ. of West Georgia Lib., Carrollton

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