The Jimi Hendrix Experience Animals bassist, Chas Chandler, formed a backing band with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell. Mitchell was a seasoned London drummer formerly with Georgie Fame and the Blue Flames. Hendrix chose Redding because of his attitude towards music and his hairstyle. Redding had been a guitar player until that time, but played bass in the band. The name "The Jimi Hendrix Experience" was coined by their business manager Michael Jeffery. The first official appearance of "The Jimi Hendrix Experience" (invited by French singer Johnny Hallyday) was at the "Novelty" in Évreux, France, on October 13, 1966. Six days later
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,