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jelena_52's review against another edition
4.0
“One of these days, I'm going to astral project myself up into the skies," he boasted. "I'll be going to the stars and the moon. I want to fly and see what's up there.
"I want to go up to the sky," he said, looking at his aunt, "from star to star.”
"I want to go up to the sky," he said, looking at his aunt, "from star to star.”
stan2long's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
4.25
Wow, I thought Bruce Springsteen‘s autobiography had a lot of sex drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, but it pales in comparison with this book. Jimi died at age 26 within a short time of when Janice Joplin and Jim Morrison of the Doors also died. Drug usage was extremely heavy back then. Hendrix grew up extremely poor and in a very dysfunctional environment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse and Sexual content
mountdesertisaak's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
cowboydan's review against another edition
5.0
This book really goes into detail about Jimi's sad yet colorful life. What a gift he was to music, yet I'm so sad to read about how many people failed him and were "yes" people. And it's both depressing and heartwarming to hear about the few experiences he had with people who treated him like a human. Not that Jimi did no wrong, he certainly made bad choices on more than one occasion, it's just unsurprising to hear why he did and said certain things. It's a good glimpse into how taxing fame can be. Also, if you're looking for a book that talks specifically about his music, this probably isn't the book for you. They do talk about the technical aspects and certain influences but this book isn't solely about that. It's more about his life. It really would have been great if his story ended differently.
aggielexi's review against another edition
I am not a huge Jimi Hendrix, I thought maybe reading this might intrigue me, but I don't care enough
kevin_shepherd's review
4.0
There is nothing here that diminished my love and respect for Jimi. Indeed, his flaws (and there were several) seem to make him more relatable. Charles Cross is a fan (that much is obvious) but he writes with just enough detachment to keep things in perspective. This is best read with musical interludes of ‘Electric Ladyland’ and ‘Are You Experienced.’
pebbles1984's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars
A well-researched biography, where often several sides to a story were shown, instead of just one. In general I found it interesting to read, especially Jimi's life before he was famous. His childhood, but also how he became such a star. The second half of the book was about his life as a star, and at times I found it a bit tiring and boring, with so many names and places and interviews and concerts. Some parts were a bit too detailed for my liking. Still, I enjoyed reading about the person Jimi in that time. I also liked how the book gives a good idea of life in general, both for Blacks in the 40s-60s, but also the hippie-era.
I've come to realize that Jimi Hendrix really isn't a man to envy. I actually feel sorry for him. He grew up in poverty, was neglected and abused, his mom was an alcoholic and left the family, his dad did not seem like a very nice man either. Then he finally managed to become famous, which he enjoyed for only a short time, as soon he was tired from the hectic schedule and the 'demand' to play his hits over and over again. He had his peak with The Jimi Hendrix Experience, but after that he seemed to go downwards, using more drugs, enjoying his playing less, concerts were often dramatic. It really makes me wonder what would have happened if he hadn't died. Would we still idolize him as much as we do today? Would he still have been a great musician, or would he have continued to go downward?
A well-researched biography, where often several sides to a story were shown, instead of just one. In general I found it interesting to read, especially Jimi's life before he was famous. His childhood, but also how he became such a star. The second half of the book was about his life as a star, and at times I found it a bit tiring and boring, with so many names and places and interviews and concerts. Some parts were a bit too detailed for my liking. Still, I enjoyed reading about the person Jimi in that time. I also liked how the book gives a good idea of life in general, both for Blacks in the 40s-60s, but also the hippie-era.
I've come to realize that Jimi Hendrix really isn't a man to envy. I actually feel sorry for him. He grew up in poverty, was neglected and abused, his mom was an alcoholic and left the family, his dad did not seem like a very nice man either. Then he finally managed to become famous, which he enjoyed for only a short time, as soon he was tired from the hectic schedule and the 'demand' to play his hits over and over again. He had his peak with The Jimi Hendrix Experience, but after that he seemed to go downwards, using more drugs, enjoying his playing less, concerts were often dramatic. It really makes me wonder what would have happened if he hadn't died. Would we still idolize him as much as we do today? Would he still have been a great musician, or would he have continued to go downward?
jamesphoto's review against another edition
5.0
Excellent read. Well written and easy to understand. Went through his life from beginning to end I felt.