Widely recognised as one of the most creative and influential musicians of the 20th century, Jimi Hendrix pioneered the explosive possibilities of the electric guitar. Hendrix's innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback and controlled distortion created a new musical form, and his musical language continues to influence a host of modern musicians.

He formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience in London in 1966, and their debut album ‘Are You Experienced?’ was a psychedelic musical compilation featuring anthems of a generation. It has remained one of the most popular rock albums of all time, featuring tracks like ‘Purple Haze’, ‘The Wind Cries Mary’, ‘Foxy Lady’, ‘Fire’ and ‘Are You Experienced?’ When he returned to America in June 1967 Jimi ignited the crowd at the Monterey International Pop Festival with his incendiary performance, and literally overnight The Jimi Hendrix Experience became one of most popular and highest grossing touring acts in the world.

Hendrix followed ‘Are You Experienced ‘with ‘Axis: Bold As Love’. He built his own recording studio ‘Electric Lady Studios’ in New York City. The name of this project became the basis for his most demanding musical release, a two LP collection ‘Electric Ladyland’.

In 1969 the Experience disbanded and Jimi formed a new and defining collaboration - the Band of Gypsys.  The following year the Experience reformed, and began recording tracks for a new LP ‘First Rays of the New Rising Sun’. Unfortunately Hendrix was unable to see this musical vision through to completion due his tragic death in September 1970. The recordings Hendrix slated for release on the album were finally issued through the support of his family in 1997.