Jimi Hendrix remains one of the most influential guitarists in rock history, known for his groundbreaking sound and electrifying performances. His catalog is filled with timeless tracks, seamlessly blending blues, rock, and psychedelic music. From the fiery energy of “Fire” to the haunting beauty of “Litlle Wing,” Hendrix’s songs have left an indelible mark on music, inspiring generations of musicians.
In this article, we explore the top 10 of Jimi Hendrix most popular songs, diving into the stories behind each track and their lasting impact on music.
10. “Fire” – Are You Experienced (1967)
Recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience in early 1967, “Fire” is a staple of Hendrix’s live shows, capturing his explosive energy and technical prowess. Known for its dynamic guitar work and lively rhythm, it became one of Jimi Hendrix’s most popular songs.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers, deeply influenced by Jimi Hendrix, began covering “Fire” in 1983. They recorded it as a B-side for their 1987 single “Fight Like a Brave” and later included it on The Abbey Road E.P. in 1988 and their 1989 album, Mother’s Milk, as a tribute to their late guitarist Hillel Slovak.
9. “Angel” – The Cry of Love (1971)
“Angel” was featured on Jimi Hendrix’s posthumous album The Cry of Love, released in 1971. Written and produced by Jimi Hendrix himself, the song was recorded just months before his untimely death in September 1970. Its origins trace back to October 1967, when Jimi Hendrix and drummer Mitch Mitchell first worked on the track under “Little Wing” during a session at Olympic Studios in London.
“Angel” was inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s dream about his mother, Lucille, during childhood. Over the years, various artists, like Rod Stwart and The Faces, have covered the song.
8. “Castles Made of Sand” – Axis: Bold as Love (1967)
Recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience for their second album, Axis: Bold as Love (1967), “Castles Made of Sand” is one of Jimi Hendrix’s most introspective tracks. Produced by his manager, Chas Chandler, the song offers a poignant glimpse into Jimi Hendrix’s tumultuous childhood.
Its lyrics reflect the instability of his early years, marked by frequent moves, changes in schools, and his mother’s presence and sudden absence. Jimi Hendrix’s brother, Leon, has noted that the song also hints at their father’s struggles with alcoholism and the turbulent relationship between their parents.
7. “Foxey Lady” – Are You Experienced (1967)
“Foxey Lady” is one of Jimi Hendrix’s most recognizable songs and a staple in his live performances. Its iconic riff and electrifying energy helped define his bold and innovative style. After the amplifier is allowed to feed back, Jimi Hendrix slides down to the rhythm figure, which uses a dominant seventh sharp ninth chord—commonly known as the “Hendrix chord.”
This jazz, rhythm, and blues-style chord became a hallmark of his sound. “Foxey Lady” was a regular feature in his concerts, thrilling audiences with its raw power and Hendrix’s dynamic stage presence. Its impact on rock music is undeniable, with Rolling Stone magazine placing it at number 153 on its list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time.”
6. “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” – Electric Ladyland (1968)
“Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” is one of Jimi Hendrix’s most famous songs, recorded in 1968 and appearing as the final track on the group’s third studio album, Electric Ladyland. The song showcased Hendrix’s masterful guitar work and became an anthem of his live performances. Following his death in 1970, Track Records released “Voodoo Child (Slight Return)” as a single in the United Kingdom under the title “Voodoo Chile.” It became Jimi Hendrix’s only number-one single on the UK Singles Chart.
5. “The Wind Cries Mary” – Are You Experienced (1967)
Jimi Hendrix wrote “The Wind Cries Mary” after an argument with his then girlfriend in London, Kathy Etchingham. Released as a single in the UK in May 1967, backed by “Highway Chile,” it climbed to number six on the UK Singles Chart. In the United States, it first appeared as the B-side of the “Purple Haze” single before being included on the American release of the Are You Experienced album.
Over the years, “The Wind Cries Mary” has been covered by many artists, including Jamie Cullum and Sting.
4. “Hey Joe” – Are You Experienced (1967)
“Hey Joe” authorship has been a topic of debate, with various recordings crediting different writers. While Billy Roberts registered it for copyright in 1962, “Hey Joe” had been circulating among musicians for years. The Leaves, a Los Angeles-based garage band, recorded the earliest known commercial version in late 1965, re-releasing it in 1966 to become a U.S. hit.
In 1966, when Jimi Hendrix was exploring a more rock-oriented sound with his group Jimmy James and the Blue Flames in New York City, “Hey Joe” was one of the first songs he performed regularly. Jimi Hendrix recorded his own version in October 1966, marking his debut single with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. His rendition added a raw intensity to the song, blending soulful vocals with his groundbreaking guitar work.
“Hey Joe” also has the distinction of being the last song Jimi Hendrix performed at the Woodstock festival in 1969. As the final song of the entire festival, it holds a special place in rock history. After the crowd of about 80,000 remaining festival-goers cheered for an encore, Hendrix delivered a powerful performance of “Hey Joe,” closing out one of the most iconic music festivals of all time.
3. “Little Wing” – Axis: Bold as Love (1967)
“Little Wing” is the most beautifull track written by Jimi Hendrix. Its origins can be traced back to the 1966 recording of “(My Girl) She’s a Fox,” an R&B track featuring Hendrix on guitar with a Curtis Mayfield-influenced style. The song, later was recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience during the sessions for their second album, Axis: Bold as Love, in October 1967.
“Little Wing” stands as one of Jimi Hendrix’s most popular songs, cherished for its emotive guitar work and delicate lyrics. It has since become a standard, with countless musicians across various genres offering their own interpretations.
2. “Purple Haze” – Are You Experienced (1967)
Released as the second single by the Jimi Hendrix Experience, “Purple Haze” became a defining track of Jimi Hendrix’s career. The song shows his inventive guitar playing, featuring the signature “Hendrix chord,” which has since become synonymous with his sound. Its striking combination of surreal lyrics and groundbreaking guitar work made it an instant classic, propelling Jimi Hendrix to the forefront of the rock scene.
“Purple Haze” quickly became one of Jimi Hendrix’s best-known songs, earning a prominent place in his live performances and appearing on numerous compilation albums. Each of Hendrix’s group configurations issued live recordings of the song, capturing its raw power and evolving interpretation. In March 2005, Q magazine ranked “Purple Haze” at number one on its list of the “100 Greatest Guitar Tracks Ever!”.
1. “All Along the Watchtower” – Electric Ladyland (1968)
Originally a song by Bob Dylan from his 1967 album John Wesley Harding, “All Along the Watchtower” became strongly associated with Jimi Hendrix after he recorded his iconic cover with the Jimi Hendrix Experience for their third studio album, Electric Ladyland, in 1968.
Jimi Hendrix’s interpretation, recorded just six months after Dylan’s original, transformed the song into a powerful rock anthem. His version introduced intense guitar solos and layered instrumentation that captured the sense of tension and unease within the lyrics. Notably, it became a Top 20 single in 1968, marking one of Jimi Hendrix’s most successful releases. In 2001, the song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame, and Rolling Stone magazine placed it at number 48 in their 2004 list of the “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” (rising to number 40 in the 2021 version).
Dylan was deeply impacted by Hendrix’s rendition, to the point where his own live performances of the song were influenced by Hendrix’s style. Hendrix’s version of “All Along the Watchtower” is frequently listed among the greatest cover songs ever recorded, with its distinct sound and emotional intensity leaving a lasting impression on listeners and fellow musicians.
