Jimi Hendrix was a person.
James Marshall `` Jimi '' Hendrix ( born Johnny Allen Hendrix ; November 27 , 1942 -- September 18 , 1970 ) was an American rock guitarist , singer , and songwriter . Although his mainstream career spanned only four years , he is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music , and one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century . Born in Seattle , Washington , Hendrix began playing guitar at the age of 15 . Within months , Hendrix had earned three UK top ten hits with the Jimi Hendrix Experience : `` Hey Joe '' , `` Purple Haze '' , and `` The Wind Cries Mary '' . The Jimi Hendrix Experience was an American-English rock band that formed in Westminster , London , in September 1966 .