Through out his career, Hendrix experienced criticism from both sides of the racial divide. In the end he was a troubled artist who focused on mastering his craft despite outside racial and cultural barriers. Decades after his death, Jimi Hendrix's music is still heavily appreciated. Seen as an artist whose music and vision was ahead of its time, Hendrix receives praise from former and present music figures. "Forty years after his death, it's still tempting to shed a tear listening to Hendrix -- not just because of what we hear, but for all the sounds we will never hear because he died so young."
Blake, J. (2014, October 18). How Jimi Hendrix stopped being black.
Retrieved April 25, 2016, from
http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/18/showbiz/jimi-hendrix-invisible-legacy/
I think it's important for people to realize the importance of somebody being able to pursue their career other than focusing on outside factors with no correlation to career success.
ReplyDeleteBy outside factors with no correlation...are you referring to Hendrix's race?
DeleteJosh, do you think by him fighting racial discrimination in the 1960s then surrounding himself with white audiences that he is what the music industry would call a "sell out?" I'm not too familiar with Jimi Hendrix beyond hearing some of his music, but did he actually help bring racial inequality issues to light?
ReplyDeleteEmiko,
ReplyDeleteI do believe that he did help bring racial inequalities to light but only years after he passed away. Hendrix was the first in the Rock N Roll industry to effectively integrate himself into a white community. I do not believe he was a sell out due to his early affiliation with the mostly white Rock community. Hendrix did not change groups after reaching fame but rather threw himself into the community right away.