Bao Nguyen, the director behind the well-received “The Greatest Night in Pop,” takes on a new challenge with his latest project, a documentary entitled “Jimi.” This film is particularly special as it is the first full-length feature about Jimi Hendrix authorized by his own estate. This approval underscores the trust the Hendrix family places in Nguyen and promises viewers exclusive access to personal content that has never been shared publicly.
“Jimi” will utilize newly commissioned interviews, never-before-seen photos, and meticulously curated and restored archival footage. Coupled with the immortal Hendrix tracks that dominated the charts, the documentary will capture a transformational period in music history.
The origin story follows 23-year-old Jimmy James as he arrives in the vibrant, Swinging London of 1966, ready to make his mark on his mind-bending set at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, where he famously sets his Fender on fire. This event secures his stardom back home in the U.S. and marks a defining moment in rock music.
This new documentary follows the 2020 documentary Music, Money, Madness . . . Jimi Hendrix In Maui, which explored Hendrix’s involvement with the ill-fated film Rainbow Bridge. Network Entertainment’s Derik Murray, Dana O’Keefe of Double Agent, and Janie Hendrix are producing the project.
Janie Hendrix, Jimi Hendrix’s stepsister and President and CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., shared her insights about this pivotal time:
“Jimi’s time in London was some of the most pivotal in his life journey and his musical career. The social scene, nightlife that often bled into day, connections made, decisions on where he wanted to take his music and where he wanted his music to take him; all of that became something of a roadmap for the course his life would take.”
She praised Nguyen’s approach, adding:
“Just as Bao Nguyen has achieved in his films highlighting the lives of other iconic figures who influenced pop culture, this presentation of Jimi’s London experience will be inspiring and informative—a story told the way it should be.“
5 Great Documentaries and Films Every Jimi Hendrix Fan Must Watch
1. Jimi Hendrix (1973)
This documentary offers a raw look at Jimi Hendrix’s life through performance footage and interviews. Directed by Joe Boyd, John Head, and Gary Weis, it shows Hendrix from his early fame to his last days. Fans get a genuine sense of his personal and professional worlds.
2. Jimi Hendrix: The Last 24 Hours (2004)
This film explores the mysterious circumstances surrounding Jimi Hendrix’s death, using interviews and reconstructions to discuss his final day. The documentary poses questions about his sudden and controversial passing, shedding light on the less-discussed aspects of his end. It’s a deep dive for fans interested in the profound and tumultuous end to Jimi Hendrix’s life.
3. Jimi: All Is By My Side (2013)
André Benjamin, known as André 3000 from OutKast, stars as Jimi Hendrix in this biographical film directed by John Ridley. It focuses on Jimi Hendrix’s life just before fame in London. Due to legal disputes with the Hendrix estate, the film could not use any of Jimi Henrix original songs. Instead, Ridley opted for covers of songs that Hendrix performed early in his career, such as tracks by The Beatles, Muddy Waters, and Elmore James.
4. Hear My Train A Comin’ (2013)
“Hear My Train A Comin'” is a 2013 documentary directed by Bob Smeaton that explores the life and career of Jimi Hendrix. The film features rare performance footage, home movies, and interviews with family and friends, capturing Hendrix’s journey from his early days to rock stardom. It highlights significant moments, including his iconic performances at the Monterey Pop Festival and Woodstock. With its blend of archival material and personal stories, it serves as an engaging introduction to the legendary guitarist’s legacy.
5. Music, Money, Madness . . . Jimi Hendrix In Maui (2020)
“Music, Money, Madness… Jimi Hendrix In Maui” is a 2020 documentary directed by John McDermott. The film focuses on Jimi Hendrix’s performances in Maui during the filming of the movie “Rainbow Bridge” in 1970, showcasing previously unseen footage of him playing with his band on the island.
It includes interviews with key figures such as Billy Cox and Eddie Kramer, providing context around Jimi Hendrix’s career at that time, including the financial pressures he faced to fund his Electric Lady Studios.
