What was Jimi Hendrix’s only number one album?
Ask almost anyone, and they’ll agree that Jimi Hendrix was nothing short of a genius. Not only was he a skilled guitarist, but Hendrix was also an incredibly talented songwriter and singer, becoming one of the most influential musicians to emerge from the 1960s. Moreover, Hendrix was a style icon known for his psychedelic looks, unafraid to experiment with feminine patterns and cuts.
Hendrix epitomised the era, although his life came to an all-too-sudden end in 1970 when he was just 27 from an overdose of barbiturates. The musician never got to witness just how inspirational his guitar playing would become or the extent of his legendary status, which elevated even higher after his death.
Due to the sheer impact of Hendrix’s music, it’s hard to believe that his music career only lasted half a decade. He started out as a member of various backing bands, playing for the likes of the Isley Brothers and Little Richard. However, in 1966, he formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience, which shot him to greater success. His debut album, Are You Experienced, was released the following year, peaking at number two in the United Kingdom and number five in the United States.
His second album, Axis: Bold as Love, was also released in 1967, reaching number five in the UK. It fared slightly better in the US, Hendrix’s home country, where it hit number three. Despite the acclaim lauded on both records, Hendrix failed to claim the top spot at home or abroad. However, his final record, Electric Ladyland, gave him his only taste of chart success, spending two weeks at number one in the US upon its release in 1968.
Hendrix would die just two years later, yet Electric Ladyland proved to the musician that he had what it took to reign over popular music. The album was performed by Hendrix, Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, although various other musicians joined in the recording sessions, such as The Rolling Stones’ Brian Jones, Jefferson Airplane’s Jack Casaday, Buddy Miles, Al Kooper and Steve Winwood.
Electric Ladyland features some iconic Hendrix cuts such as ‘Voodoo Chile’ and ‘All Along the Watchtower’, a cover of Bob Dylan’s folk track. Hendrix transformed it into something completely new, so much so that Hendrix’s version has shaped the way Dylan performed the song.
According to Dylan, “It overwhelmed me, really. He had such talent, he could find things inside a song and vigorously develop them. He found things that other people wouldn’t think of finding in there. He probably improved upon it by the spaces he was using.”
