# 60 years ago, Jimi Hendrix recorded ‘Stone Free’. Four years later, Ritchie Blackmore stole it

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/60-years-ago-jimi-hendrix-recorded-stone-free-four-years-later-ritchie-blackmore-stole-it/
- Published: 2026-11-08T01:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T01:20:55+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/jimi-hendrix-stone-free-ritchie-blackmore-stole-it/
- Topics: Music

## Key points

- ‘Stone Free’ was recorded in 1966.
- Blackmore said ‘Speed King’ drew on two Hendrix songs.
- He openly described Hendrix as a major influence.

## Summary

Jimi Hendrix recorded ‘Stone Free’ in 1966, a track that showcased his blend of hard rock, funk and distinctive guitar playing. Deep Purple guitarist Ritchie Blackmore later acknowledged that Hendrix’s music influenced him, saying he borrowed from ‘Stone Free’ and ‘Fire’ when creating ‘Speed King’.

The article presents ‘Speed King’, released four years after ‘Stone Free’ was recorded, as an unusually direct example of that influence: Blackmore said it was based on Hendrix’s songs. It also recalls guitarist Jeff Beck’s astonishment at seeing Hendrix perform, illustrating the impact Hendrix had on fellow musicians.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.