Jimi Hendrix had a short but remarkable career as a musician, and he was at the height of his career when he passed away in London from drug-related asphyxia on September 18, 1970. The Chicago Tribune's "Last Days of a Pop Idol" provides details about his final days.
Hendrix had accomplished much during the previous three years of his life, between 1967 and 1969, and left an indelible influence on rock 'n' roll: three albums in two years, all included in Rolling Stones Top 500 Great Albums of All Time, as well as headlining Woodstock in 1969.
After struggling to make a living playing back-up, Hendrix formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience and signed with Track Records in 1966. Are You Experienced?, which many critics consider to be the greatest rock album debut, was recorded over a five-month period in late 1966 and early 1967 and includes both "Hey Joe" and "Purple Haze." The album spent 33 weeks on the Billboard charts.
In order to fulfill his contract, the Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded a second album in 1967, Axis. When Hendrix left the master tape of one side in a London taxi, the album's release was almost delayed, but the band was able to record that side again in a single overnight session. The album was released in 1968.
Hendrix produced and recorded his third album, a double LP, shortly after recording Axis. In fact, the Jimi Hendrix Experience began recording Electric Ladyland even before the release of Axis. All Music Guide has called the album "Hendrix's musical vision at its absolute apex." It was the only one of his albums to reach number one on the charts.
If you are looking to read more about Hendrix's life and music, I'd recommend Charles Cross' excellent biography Room Full of Mirrors. If you'd like to see Hendrix perform, check out Woodstock, which includes footage of Hendrix's set.
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