# In 1966, Jimi Hendrix played a song he didn’t write. It changed his life forever

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/in-1966-jimi-hendrix-played-a-song-he-didnt-write-it-changed-his-life-forever/
- Published: 2026-10-23T03:00:00+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-23T03:08:35+00:00
- Original publisher: Far Out
- Original article: https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/in-1966-jimi-hendrix-played-a-song-he-didnt-write-it-changed-his-life-forever/
- Topics: Entertainment, Music

## Key points

- Tim Rose’s “Hey Joe” inspired Hendrix’s version.
- Chas Chandler spotted Hendrix at Cafe Wha?.
- The song helped launch Hendrix internationally.

## Summary

After hearing Tim Rose’s version of Billy Roberts’ song “Hey Joe” in 1966, Jimi Hendrix added it to his band’s set. A performance at Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village caught the attention of Animals bassist Chas Chandler, who became Hendrix’s manager and producer, helping launch the career that made him a defining figure in rock.

Before then, Hendrix had worked as a backing musician for acts including the Isley Brothers and Little Richard, while seeking a path as a frontman and songwriter. Chandler introduced him to Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience recorded “Hey Joe”; the track’s success helped bring Hendrix international recognition. The article also recalls Eric Clapton saying that sharing a stage with Hendrix profoundly affected him.

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