A review by eyegee
Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix by Charles R. Cross

4.0

A well written account of how Jimi Hendrix evolved into the master guitarist known all over the world. He grew up in Seattle in a brokene home, desperately poor. He receives his first guitar at age 9 or 10 and from that point on he never stops learning his instrument, eventually becoming what many considered the best guitarist in the world. His rise to stardom was classic. He spent years on the road playing with different bands and barely making a living. Musicians appreciated his genius but it did not get him recognition or a record deal. He probably never would have been discovered if he hadn't met and become friendly with Keith Richards' (Rolling Stone guitarist) girlfriend, who brought him to England and introduced him to the right peoploe. Stardom then came quickly. He was intensely creative, writing many of the songs he performed, but also covering other artists. He loved Dylan, and Dylan is said to have loved his covers -- such as All Along the Watchtower. The Beatles, too, were early fans. The downward spiral is unfortunately predictable. It is our loss. Jimi had what seemed an endless source of inspiration and a real artists soul. I am not a huge Hendrix fan but I was intrigued and I'm glad to have listened to this book. Well read by the narrator, too.