Jim Hendrix is widely regarded as one of the most groundbreaking musicians in the history of rock music. His innovative guitar playing and captivating stage presence revolutionized the genre, leaving an indelible mark on music as we know it.
Jimi Hendrix’s talents and contributions are undoubtedly significant, it is equally important to recognize and appreciate the integral role played by his band members throughout his career. This article takes a detailed look at each member of Jimi Hendrix’s various bands, shedding light on their unique contributions and the impact they had on Hendrix’s musical journey.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience
Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix was born in Seattle, Washington in 1942. From an early age, he displayed an extraordinary musical talent, teaching himself to play the guitar and immersing himself in various genres. Jimi Hendrix’s influences ranged from blues legends like Muddy Waters and B.B. King to rock pioneers like Chuck Berry and Little Richard. This diverse musical upbringing helped shape Jimi Hendrix’s unique sound and sensibility.
Jimi Hendrix’s guitar style was characterized by his masterful use of distortion, feedback, and wah-wah effects. He pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible on the instrument, captivating audiences with his virtuosic solos and innovative techniques. From his iconic rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Woodstock to the intricate fingerpicking on “Little Wing,” Jimi Hendrix’s guitar playing remains unparalleled in its creativity and expressiveness.
In addition to his guitar skills, Jimi Hendrix also showcased his talents as a vocalist. His soulful and emotive voice served as the perfect complement to his electrifying guitar solos. Songs like “Purple Haze” and “All Along the Watchtower” highlighted Hendrix’s ability to weave his voice seamlessly into the fabric of his music, creating a powerful and cohesive sonic experience.
Noel Redding
Noel Redding was a pivotal member of The Jimi Hendrix Experience, providing the band with a solid and melodic foundation through his bass playing. His style was characterized by a driving and rhythmic approach, serving as the backbone of the band’s sound.
Upon his arrival in England in September 1966, Jimi Hendrix and his producer/manager Chas Chandler set about finding backing musicians. Although Redding had played guitar up to that point, he switched to bass guitar and became the second member of the Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Redding’s ability to harmonize with Jimi Hendrix’s guitar lines while maintaining his distinct presence was a testament to his musicality and adaptability. Noel Redding played a crucial role in translating Hendrix’s musical vision into reality. As a collaborative partner, he worked closely with Hendrix to craft the band’s sound and arrangements. Their symbiotic relationship allowed for a seamless blend of guitar and bass, creating a sonic landscape that was both powerful and nuanced.
Redding’s contributions to songwriting were an essential component of the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s success. Alongside Hendrix, he co-wrote several iconic songs, including “Little Miss Strange” and “She’s So Fine.” Redding’s songwriting skills added depth and variety to the band’s repertoire, providing a platform for Jimi Hendrix’s guitar wizardry to shine.
By 1969, Jimi Hendrix was performing and recording with several different musicians. Without consulting Redding, Hendrix announced that he intended to expand the group. Redding responded by quitting the Experience during the American tour on 29 June 1969 and returning to England.
Mitch Mitchell
Mitch Mitchell’s drumming techniques and style were fundamental to the sound of The Jimi Hendrix Experience. His ability to seamlessly blend jazz, rock, and funk elements created a distinctive rhythmic backdrop for Jimi Hendrix’s guitar acrobatics. Mitchell’s innovative use of syncopation, polyrhythms, and dynamic range elevated the band’s music to new heights.
The musical chemistry between Mitchell and Hendrix was palpable, with each musician pushing the other to new creative heights. Their improvisational interplay and telepathic communication on stage allowed for electrifying live performances that captivated audiences worldwide. Mitchell’s willingness to experiment and explore uncharted musical territories mirrored Jimi Hendrix’s musical vision and catalyzed artistic growth.
Selected in a coin toss over Aynsley Dunbar during the October 1966 audition, Mitch Mitchell became a linchpin of the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Mitchell’s contribution extended to the three best-selling Experience studio albums: “Are You Experienced” (1967), “Axis: Bold As Love” (1968), and “Electric Ladyland” (1968). Even after the Experience disbanded in June 1969, Mitchell continued with Jimi Hendrix, performing at Woodstock in August 1969.
Briefly replaced by Buddy Miles for the Band of Gypsys album (1970), Mitchell returned alongside Billy Cox for the April–September 1970 Cry of Love Tour. Mitchell’s enduring collaboration showcased his adaptability and solidified his place in Hendrix’s musical legacy.
Gypsy Sun and Rainbows
Billy Cox
Billy Cox and Jimi Hendrix first crossed paths during their military service in the Army at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in 1961.
Fast forward to 1969, a few months before bassist Noel Redding departs from the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Hendrix, recalling his old friend Cox, reached out to him as a familiar face. Cox, having served with Hendrix in the Army, became an integral part of the Experience, joining as the studio bassist in New York.
As the Experience disbanded, Billy Cox’s collaboration with Jimi Hendrix continued to evolve. He played a vital role in the experimental group known as Gypsy Sun and Rainbows, delivering an unforgettable performance at Woodstock and participating in low-key New York gigs. The duo’s shared experiences as army buddies and lifelong friends formed a strong foundation of trust and creative synergy.
Cox’s journey with Jimi Hendrix extended beyond Gypsy Sun and Rainbows. He played a crucial role in shaping the sound of Jimi Hendrix’s music as part of the Band of Gypsys. His unique playing style and intuitive understanding of Hendrix’s vision ensured the continuity of their musical partnership.
From Woodstock’s iconic stage to the live Band of Gypsys album and the final iteration during The Cry of Love Tour, in 1970, Billy Cox remained the sole surviving musician who regularly played with Hendrix. This enduring collaboration showcased not only the musical prowess of both artists but also the depth of their friendship and the lasting impact they left on the world of music.
Larry Lee
Larry Lee’s involvement with Jimi Hendrix’s Gypsy Sun and Rainbows took on added significance considering the circumstances. Having returned from the Vietnam War just two weeks prior and unemployed, Lee received a call from Jimi Hendrix.
In a remarkable turn of events, Lee joined Gypsy Sun and Rainbows merely a week before the historic Woodstock concert in 1969. This brief timeframe underscores not only Lee’s flexibility and readiness to collaborate but also the spontaneity that characterized the formation of this ensemble. Despite the short notice, Lee’s contributions, both as a guitarist and a crucial member of the band, played a notable role in the success of their iconic Woodstock performance.
Juma Sultan
Juma Sultan, primarily recognized as a jazz musician, has left an indelible mark as both a percussionist and a bass player. One of his most notable performances occurred at the iconic Woodstock festival in 1969 at Bethel, New York, where he played a crucial role as part of Jimi Hendrix’s band, Gypsy Sun and Rainbows.
Sultan’s participation extended beyond Woodstock, encompassing appearances on The Dick Cavett Show and a special show in Harlem, New York, several weeks later. His contributions during these performances showcased his versatility, further solidifying his place in the Woodstock era and the broader landscape of Hendrix’s musical collaborations.
Jerry Velez
Jerry Velez, a musician with a diverse musical background, played an integral role during Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock era. As part of the ensemble Gypsy Sun and Rainbows, Velez, credited with the nickname Jerry, contributed his skills, leaving a lasting impact on the band’s sound.
Post his collaboration with Jimi Hendrix, Velez continued to make significant contributions to the music industry. He embarked on a successful journey, recording and touring with renowned artists such as David Bowie, Elton John, and Duran Duran.
Notably, according to his official website, Gerardo Velez has earned considerable acclaim, being nominated for seven Grammy Awards.
Band of Gypsys
Buddy Miles
In 1967, Buddy Miles joined Jimi Hendrix in a jam session at the Malibu home of Stephen Stills, marking the beginning of their musical connection. They continued to play together in 1968 in both Los Angeles and New York.
In the same year, Jimi Hendrix enlisted several guest artists, including Miles, during the recording of his album, “Electric Ladyland.” Miles played drums on an extended jam that was eventually split into two album cuts, “Rainy Day, Dream Away” and “Still Raining, Still Dreaming.”
Buddy Miles, renowned for his distinctive drumming style and infectious energy, significantly shaped the Band of Gypsys era with Jimi Hendrix.
Miles’s powerful drumming and soulful vocals, coupled with these early collaborations, added a unique dimension to Hendrix’s music. Despite the eventual departure from the Band of Gypsys due to creative differences, the impact of Miles’s contributions to Hendrix’s musical journey remains a significant and influential chapter in the Hendrix story.
Throughout Jimi Hendrix’s career, his band members played a pivotal role in shaping his musical trajectory. From the Jimi Hendrix Experience to Gypsy Sun and Rainbows, the Band of Gypsys, and the reformation of the Experience, these musicians contributed their unique talents, creative ideas, and unwavering support to Jimi Hendrix’s artistic vision. Their collaborative efforts enriched his music, providing the canvas upon which his guitar wizardry could flourish.
