The Isley Brothers and Little Richard, Jimi Hendrix's Road to Fame
Before Jimi Hendrix became one of the most era-defining musicians of the 1970s, he was a struggling session musician. Known then as Johnny Allen Hendrix, he had already begun to hone the unique guitar style that would later make him a legend. Hendrix’s journey, from a homeless wanderer to a rising star, is marked by his time playing for some of the biggest names in soul and rock 'n' roll, including The Isley Brothers and Little Richard. But those early years were far from glamorous, and Hendrix endured many hardships before finally making his breakthrough.
From Seattle to the Military
Born in Seattle, Hendrix’s natural talent for the guitar became apparent at a young age. He began playing as a teenager, developing a style that was influenced by the blues, R&B, and rock 'n' roll. After a troubled childhood, which included his parents’ divorce and frequent relocations, Hendrix enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 18. His military career was short-lived, as he was officially discharged for a "medical injury."
After his discharge, Hendrix found himself in Tennessee, penniless and without direction. His early years as a struggling musician are characterised by hardship and uncertainty. As Hendrix once recalled: “It took me some time to get better from the injuries I had, and then I went down South. I played cafes, clubs and on the streets. It was pretty tough at the first period. I lived in very miserable circumstances. I slept where I could, and when I needed to eat I had to steal it. I earned some money, but I didn’t like it at all.”
Despite these tough times, Hendrix’s skill as a guitarist kept him afloat, and he began to make a name for himself in the local music scene.
Playing with The Isley Brothers
Hendrix’s talent eventually led him to Buffalo, New York, where he played in various clubs and bars. His life at this point was far from stable. Hendrix moved from place to place, often without a clear destination, and in the harsh New York winters, he was frequently forced to sleep on the streets. It was during one of his gigs in Harlem that Hendrix first encountered The Isley Brothers.
By 1964, The Isley Brothers were already established in the music industry, having moved to New York in the 1950s and released a number of hit records. Hendrix's talent caught their attention, and they invited him to join them as their backing guitarist. Hendrix later recalled, “One of the Isley Brothers heard me playing in a club and said he had a job open. So I played with the Isley Brothers for a while, and they used to make me do my thing (play with my teeth, etc.), because it made them more bucks or something. Most groups I was with didn’t let me do my own thing.”
While playing with The Isley Brothers, Hendrix contributed to their single "Testify," released in 1964. His innovative guitar work on the track helped shape the group’s sound, and his influence on Ernie Isley, the band’s youngest member, was profound. Ernie Isley’s later guitar work, particularly on tracks like "Footsteps in the Dark," was heavily inspired by Hendrix’s style. Hendrix’s time with the group was brief, however, and he quickly became restless with the band’s smooth, soul-infused sound.
“I quit The Isley Brothers in Nashville,” Hendrix said. “I got tired of playing in the key of F all the time, so I turned in my white mohair silk suit and patent leather shoes and began playing on street corners again.”
Despite his departure, The Isley Brothers remained supportive of Hendrix, even allowing him to live in their mother’s house for two years while he continued to navigate the uncertain world of session work.
Time with Little Richard
Around the same time, Hendrix’s reputation as a skilled guitarist was spreading, and he began to attract the attention of other prominent musicians. One of those was Little Richard, another giant of the rock and soul scene. Hendrix joined Little Richard’s band, The Upsetters, in 1965, and began touring with the flamboyant rock ‘n’ roll icon.
Little Richard’s high-energy performances were a far cry from the more restrained soul sounds of The Isley Brothers, and Hendrix thrived in this new environment. His time with Little Richard allowed him to showcase his flamboyant onstage antics, which would later become a signature part of his performances. However, Hendrix still found himself creatively stifled. He was often relegated to the background, unable to fully express his unique style.
According to Hendrix, “Little Richard wanted the spotlight to himself, and I didn’t blame him. I was just the guy in the back playing guitar, and that wasn’t enough for me.”
Life as a Session Musician
In addition to playing with The Isley Brothers and Little Richard, Hendrix spent much of the mid-1960s working as a session musician for a variety of artists. These gigs were often thankless, as Hendrix was rarely allowed to express himself freely. Still, these experiences helped him refine his technical skills and expand his understanding of different musical styles.
During this period, Hendrix played with artists like Ike and Tina Turner, King Curtis, and Wilson Pickett. His versatility made him a valuable session player, and while he was still struggling financially, his reputation in the music industry continued to grow.
The Struggles and Breakthrough
Despite the recognition he received from his peers, Hendrix continued to face significant challenges. He was often broke, and his nomadic lifestyle left him constantly searching for new opportunities. His early years were spent travelling from city to city, playing wherever he could, and often sleeping in less-than-ideal conditions.
In his own words, “I just wanted to make music, but it seemed like no one wanted to let me be me.”
But Hendrix’s perseverance paid off. In 1966, he was discovered by Chas Chandler, the bassist for The Animals, who would go on to become his manager. Chandler brought Hendrix to London, and after that, nobody knows what became of Jimi Hendrix...