In 1966, Jimi Hendrix played a song he didn’t write. It changed his life forever
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.
In short
- Tim Rose’s “Hey Joe” inspired Hendrix’s version.
- Chas Chandler spotted Hendrix at Cafe Wha?.
- The song helped launch Hendrix internationally.
Explained simply
“Hey Joe” was written by Billy Roberts and recorded by several musicians before Jimi Hendrix took it into his set. In the 1960s, Hendrix was working as a backing guitarist for other performers while trying to establish himself as a frontman.
Chas Chandler, bassist with the Animals, heard Hendrix perform in Greenwich Village and became his manager and producer. He helped bring together the Jimi Hendrix Experience, with Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, and guided the group’s first recordings.
The song helped introduce Hendrix to audiences beyond the United States. His arrival also made an impression on fellow musicians, including Eric Clapton, who later spoke about the effect of sharing a stage with him.