Today’s Libation:
James Marshall Hendrix
November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970
American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Widely recognized as one of the most creative and influential musicians of the 20th century, Jimi Hendrix pioneered the explosive possibilities of the electric guitar. Hendrix’s innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback and controlled distortion created a new musical form. Because he was unable to read or write music, it is nothing short of remarkable that Jimi Hendrix’s meteoric rise in music took place in just four short years. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as “arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music.”
“I’ve been imitated so well I’ve heard people copy my mistakes.” – Jimi Hendrix
Few people could make ths boast and be telling the god’s honest truth. Jimi Hendrix is one of those people. What we think the electric guitar is supposed to sound like today largely comes from the ground breaking work he was doing sinice the early 60’s. Ike Turner, to the Isley Brothers, to Little Richard, Wilson Pickett, Slim Harpo, Sam Cooke, Ike & Tina Turner[69] and Jackie Wilson. His use of distortion was earth shatterinig. Jimi was truly a one of a kind, and someone whose mistakes are still being practiced diligently to this day.
Let’s pour libation for Jimi Henddrix
We never forget so never fear,
for homies who ain’t here, we’re pouring out a beer
Because of you it will never be the same
We keep saying your name while we pour champagne
For the mothers and the father figures,
your flame still flickers, we’re pouring out some liquor
We’re the sons and the daughters of heroes and martyrs
We honor you by pouring out some water
Bomani Armah is The Watermelon Man 