My Son Jimi [Illustrated] (Paperback)

After all the paste-up jobs, cricital speculation, mythologizing and outright prevarication, fans and critics alike get a book that sets the Jimi Hendrix record straight.

James "Al" Hendrix was more often than not, the only person in the room during Jimi's childhood, and remained (the one consistent fact all the accounts previously published "accounts" agree on)his closest confidante until he died.

In his own words, Al Hendrix tells the story of Jimi's upbringing, his complex family life, and his musical and personal development. There are many recountings of conversations and impression as well as fact. There are reminiscenes of hendrix calling his father when making major decisions, discussing good times, bad times, and just looking for support.

Al Hendrix's motivation was to finally tell the story of Jimi Hendrix before he himself passed away (Mr. Hendrix is 80). And given history of how the Hendrix family has been lied to and stolen from--Al finally won back the recorded musical legacy in 1995--it's no wonder that the story has never been told before.

The most beautiful thing about the text here, is that Obrecht, a respected critic and author, left his own critical baggage and language skills at the door, allowing Al Hendrix to tell his story without prodding or manipulation. The result is an astonishing tale that completely contradicts many accounts. It is true that fans will be astonished by the many new facts, but it will literally stun some members of the family.

The book is illustrated lavishly throughout with photographs--most of which have never been seen--and reproductions of Hendrix's artwork throughout his life.

From the simple words of an elderly man comes the shaping of a musical figure so pervasive, that he influenced, in the same way Bob Dylan did, all the popular music that came after him.

Along with Charles Chaar Murray's wonderful work of music criticism, Crosstown Traffic, My Son Jimi is the personal and historically accurate half of the Hendrix story. Therefore it is indispensable as both literature and cultural document. A truly great, entertaining and at times heart-rending read, in a gorgeously illustrated volume. Isn't this what everybody asks for in a book about a pop music icon?