Why Famous:Influential electric rock guitarist, Hendrix moved to England in 1966 and formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience releasing tracks 'Hey Joe' and Purple Haze'.
His performance at the Monterey Pop Festival established him in the US and he is especially known for playing at Woodstock where he played the 'Star Spangled Banner'.
1959-02-20 Jimi Hendrix (16), rock and roll guitarist, plays his first gig in the Temple De Hirsch synagogue basement, Seattle. He is fired from the band after the 1st set due to "wild" playing
1966-09-21 Jimmy Hendrix changes spelling of his name to Jimi
1966-10-13 Jimi Hendrix Experience debuts with American guitarist Jimi Hendrix, British bassist Noel Redding & British drummer Mitch Mitchell in Évreux, Normandy, France
1966-10-25 Jimi Hendrix Experience play their first UK gig as a private showcase at The Scotch of St. James in London
1966-12-16 Jimi Hendrix Experience releases its 1st single, "Hey Joe," in the UK
1966-12-26 Jimi Hendrix writes "Purple Haze" backstage at the Upper Cut Club, London
1967-03-31 1st time Jimi Hendrix burns his guitar (London)
1967-05-12 "Are You Experienced" album by the Jimi Hendrix Experience first released - one of the most influential debut albums ever
1967-06-18 Closing day of the Monterey International Pop Festival, Southern California. First major US appearances of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The WHO and Otis Redding
1968-03-15 LIFE mag calls Jimi Hendrix "most spectacular guitarist in the world"
Django Reinhardt
Eddie Van Halen
George Thorogood
Maurice Gibb
Michael Houser
Richie Sambora