Jimi Hendrix

This photolithographic poster by an unknown artist is in the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC. It is currently being shown in a exhibit commemorating the year 1968.

“Rock icon Jimi Hendrix taught himself to play guitar by listening to the records of noted blues guitarists, such as Muddy Waters. In 1964, after several years with a number of backup bands, he drifted to New York City where his performances eventually attracted the attention of a British pop artist who persuaded him to try his fortunes in England. There, he formed a trio called the Jimi Hendrix Experience, which thanks to Hendrix's outrageous showmanship and innovative guitar playing, quickly became a sensation throughout Europe. When he returned to the United States in 1968, the response was much the same, and both Rolling Stone and Billboard magazines named him artist of the year.” -- National Portrait Gallery