Private James Hendrix
Before Hendrix’s 19th birthday, law enforcement had caught him riding stolen cars and had given him the option of either going to prison or joining the Army. He chose the latter and became Private James Hendrix of the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
Jimi Hendrix’s mainstream career may have only lasted four years, but he was regarded as one of the most influential guitarists in the history of popular music. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame said that he was “arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music”. Hendrix is one of the most celebrated musicians of our time and continues to be referenced in popular culture.