Although only 27 years old at the time of his shocking, substance-related death in 1970, Jimi Hendrix managed to revolutionize the way the electric guitar was played and forever raised the bar for aspiring rock and rollers. Influenced by blues greats like B.B. King and Muddy Waters, Hendrix amplified the blues and incorporated the use of heavy distortion, feedback, and psychedelic effects to create a sonic blast unlike anything music fans had ever heard.

His band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, released the classic albums "Are You Experienced" (1967) and "Axis: Bold as Love" (1967), and produced the hits “Hey Joe,” “Purple Haze,” and “Fire,” among countless others. An incendiary (literally) live performer, Hendrix was known for making jaws drop, and his 1969 gigs at Woodstock -- where he performed his singular, thrilling rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" -- and the Monterey Pop Festival, where he famously set his guitar ablaze -- are considered among rock and roll’s most memorable moments.

His recordings remain required listening for anyone even thinking of picking up a guitar, and his influence is evident in everyone from Eric Clapton to Frank Zappa to Miles Davis. Hendrix was the living embodiment of the reckless abandon and free expression that rock and roll is supposed to foster and celebrate, and popular music has never been the same since he burst on the scene.