Jimi Hendrix Jimi Hendrix James Marshall Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970) was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music, and one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music". Born in Seattle, Washington, Hendrix began playing guitar at the age of 15. In 1961, he enlisted in the
Stepping Stone (Jimi Hendrix song) Stepping Stone (Jimi Hendrix song) "Stepping Stone" is a song by American musician Jimi Hendrix. Written and produced by Hendrix, it was recorded early in 1970 with the short-lived Band of Gypsys lineup of Hendrix, Billy Cox and Buddy Miles. The song, with "Izabella", was released as a single by Reprise Records on April 8, 1970. It was the last single released by Hendrix before his death. A second version is featured on the 1972 album, "War Heroes". "Stepping Stone" first appeared, in part, when Jimi Hendrix performed at the Woodstock Festival on August 18, 1969, with an interim band,