The extraordinary performances, recording, and lyrics of James Marshall Hendrix have made him impossible to forget. This American rock guitarist made a legendary mark. Not only in the history of rock 'n' roll, but also on pop culture as a whole (Mitchel1 32). With unique techniques never seen before and blatant sex-related performances on stage, he became one of the most influential music figures of the 60s (Murray 96).
             Hendrix was not born into stardom nor was it given to him by any means. He strived all throughout his life to be the very best. Johnny Allen Hendrix was born on November 27, 1942 in Seattle, Washington to Al and Lucille Hendrix. Four years later did his father decided to change his son's name to James Marshall Hendrix. He did not lead an easy life. He changed schools quite often and to top it all off his parents divorced in 1958. To add to it all, his mother died just one year later ( 'Scuse Me While..., Henderson 42). Hendrix needed something to turn around his life.
             Hendrix purchased his first guitar in 1958. It was a used acoustic for which he paid only five dollars. At the age of seventeen with only one year's playing experience, he joined his first band, the Rocking Kings. It may be hard to imagine, but Hendrix was also in the Army for a brief period of time. He was soon discharged as a result of "medical unsuitability" after a parachuting accident in which he landed on his ankle ( 'Scuse Me While..., Henderson 48). He ventured back to his hometown of Seattle and began playing with Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers (Mitchell 68). Hendrix was then quickly discovered by Little Richard in 1963. He soon regretted the decision because he felt the tour was degrading, and he was constrained as being a sideman to Richard. His guitar was used as little more than a background rhythm instrument. Hendrix developed his playing talent and soon discovered how to gain control and take lead of t...