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Jimi Hendrix - Стая с огледала
Биографията на най-великия китарист на всички времена ДЖИМИ ХЕНДРИКС проследява линията на живота му от сиатълските гета, през малки задимени клубове, до огромни зали от двете страни на океана, и фестивалите в Монтерей, Удсток и остров Уайт. Сеизмичната му поява на музикалната сцена е толкова кратка и толкова проникновена, че и до днес магията на изпълненията му приковава вниманието със същата интензивност както и в разгара на шейсетте. След него музиката никога повече не е същата, а и животът му е толкова скандален и изпълнен с обрати и крайности, че е просто неизбежно да не бъде митологизиран. Налице са всички съставки - китари, талант, невъобразима бедност, феноменален успех, красиви модели, загадъчни пророчества, мистериозна смърт и естествено... музиката му. Ясно е защо Джими Хендрикс е легенда - от тази книга ще разберете как се е превърнал в такава.
"Историята е разказана с умението на алхимик и със страстта на истински фен."
Моjo
"Историята е разказана с умението на алхимик и със страстта на истински фен."
Моjo
520 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2005
322 people are currently reading
16413 people want to read
About the author
Charles R. Cross
39 books217 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
See also:
Charles R. Cross
This is Charles R. Cross, a rock music journalist and author based in Seattle. He is the founder of Backstreets magazine, a periodical for fans of Bruce Springsteen, editor of "Springsteen: the Man and His Music," a compilation of Backstreets articles, and is also author of a biography of Kurt Cobain, titled Heavier Than Heaven. His most recent release is entitled Room Full Of Mirrors - A Biography Of Jimi Hendrix.
In 2004, while conducting research for the Hendrix book, Cross rediscovered the gravesite of Jimi Hendrix's mother, Lucille Jeter Hendrix, in an abandoned section of Greenwood Memorial Park, where Jimi Hendrix himself is buried in an elaborate granite memorial. The gravesite of Lucille Hendrix was lost because the standard welfare marker of her day, an inscribed brick, became buried in decades of mud from the area's notorious heavy rains. Cross delivered a moving eulogy for Lucille when a proper headstone was dedicated at the site.
Courtney Love, the widow of Kurt Cobain, has acquired the rights to Heavier Than Heaven, which is now being made into a film by Universal Pictures. This is the first film to be made from Cross' work.
See also:
Charles R. Cross
This is Charles R. Cross, a rock music journalist and author based in Seattle. He is the founder of Backstreets magazine, a periodical for fans of Bruce Springsteen, editor of "Springsteen: the Man and His Music," a compilation of Backstreets articles, and is also author of a biography of Kurt Cobain, titled Heavier Than Heaven. His most recent release is entitled Room Full Of Mirrors - A Biography Of Jimi Hendrix.
In 2004, while conducting research for the Hendrix book, Cross rediscovered the gravesite of Jimi Hendrix's mother, Lucille Jeter Hendrix, in an abandoned section of Greenwood Memorial Park, where Jimi Hendrix himself is buried in an elaborate granite memorial. The gravesite of Lucille Hendrix was lost because the standard welfare marker of her day, an inscribed brick, became buried in decades of mud from the area's notorious heavy rains. Cross delivered a moving eulogy for Lucille when a proper headstone was dedicated at the site.
Courtney Love, the widow of Kurt Cobain, has acquired the rights to Heavier Than Heaven, which is now being made into a film by Universal Pictures. This is the first film to be made from Cross' work.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
October 24, 2024
I'm the one that's gotta die when it's my time for me to die. So let me live my life the way I want to...
- "If 6 Was 9", from Axis: Bold As Love.
I enjoyed reading this one. It follows Jimi Hendrix's story from growing up in poverty, experiencing child neglect, enlisting in the US Army, to finally becoming the most creative and versatile guitarist ever. The book follows his impoverished childhood, his rise to fame, and his too early of a crash.
After unsuccessfully playing in racially divided America, he went to the UK and was taken to rock stardom by The Animals bassist Chaz Chandler. With his unique dress, mastery of improvisation, and appeal to both blues and rock 'n' roll audiences, Jimi Hendrix became unstoppable.
The author speculates the power of imagination had an effect on young Jimi. His older female cousin told him bedtime stories about a boy named "Roy the Sweeping Boy' with a broom that transformed into a guitar. The story goes that "People would come from all over the world to hear him play." Hearing these stories "Jimi felt sure to he was hearing his own distant future, coming to him like a delicious dream", pg. 48.
The second powerful preadolescent experience was seeing Elvis perform. He couldn't afford to get in so he watched the show from a hilltop outside the stadium. Watching Elvis's concert he saw the rush of energy and madness of the screaming fans. "Two months after the concert, Jimi drew a picture in his notebook of Elvis holding an acoustic guitar, surrounded by the titles of a dozen of his hit records." pg 53.
I highly recommend this one, especially if you like any of Jimi Hendrix's songs. It was clear, readable, and not dry or boring at all. I stayed engaged the entire time. Thanks!
- "If 6 Was 9", from Axis: Bold As Love.
I enjoyed reading this one. It follows Jimi Hendrix's story from growing up in poverty, experiencing child neglect, enlisting in the US Army, to finally becoming the most creative and versatile guitarist ever. The book follows his impoverished childhood, his rise to fame, and his too early of a crash.
After unsuccessfully playing in racially divided America, he went to the UK and was taken to rock stardom by The Animals bassist Chaz Chandler. With his unique dress, mastery of improvisation, and appeal to both blues and rock 'n' roll audiences, Jimi Hendrix became unstoppable.
The author speculates the power of imagination had an effect on young Jimi. His older female cousin told him bedtime stories about a boy named "Roy the Sweeping Boy' with a broom that transformed into a guitar. The story goes that "People would come from all over the world to hear him play." Hearing these stories "Jimi felt sure to he was hearing his own distant future, coming to him like a delicious dream", pg. 48.
The second powerful preadolescent experience was seeing Elvis perform. He couldn't afford to get in so he watched the show from a hilltop outside the stadium. Watching Elvis's concert he saw the rush of energy and madness of the screaming fans. "Two months after the concert, Jimi drew a picture in his notebook of Elvis holding an acoustic guitar, surrounded by the titles of a dozen of his hit records." pg 53.
I highly recommend this one, especially if you like any of Jimi Hendrix's songs. It was clear, readable, and not dry or boring at all. I stayed engaged the entire time. Thanks!
September 23, 2023
Jimi Hendrix really did live in the reflection of others: what everyone wanted (or needed) him to be became crushing to his soul even as he became a legend. Fair and balanced look at this little understood icon. So very sad that he was not with us longer - can only imagine the music he still had to share with us.
September 9, 2020
Going into this book I didn't know much about Jimi Hendrix. I had heard a couple of his songs but I had never done a deep dive into his music or life. Jimi Hendrix is one of the biggest rock stars ever. His influence is still being felt 50 years after his death, and to think that the height of his career only lasted 3 years. With the bulk of his most famous performances happening within a 18 month stretch. That's a whole lot of influence in a very short time.
Going in a had some preconceived notions about Jimi Hendrix. Despite being a rock legend to the wider world, Jimi isn't really talked about in the Black community. The biggest Black rock star of maybe all time isn't ever talked about by Black people.
Its bizarre and sad.
And that was something that bothered Jimi as well. He was crushed by the fact that when he looked out into his concert crowds it was filled with white people. Jimi loved being Black and he loved Black music and Black culture but that love wasn't returned. I must admit that I was one of those Black people who didn't really care for him. I thought based on the little I knew that he was one of those Black people who got famous and turned his back on his culture. It made me feel bad to know that the opposite was true.
Jimi Hendrix was a deeply talented and nice person. Literally no one had anything bad to say about him. Were some people jealous of him(cough Mick Jagger cough)?
Yes!
But even they said he was a good guy. I've read enough biographies to know that its rare for someone that famous to stay a good person.
I listened to Jimi's music while I read this book and while its not really my type of music. I could hear all the artists that he influenced mostly I heard were Prince got some influences from him. I don't think you need to be a Hendrix fan to enjoy this biography or even a fan of rock music. I think people who like to read about American grit would love this book, because Jimi Hendrix came from nothing and single handedly made himself a rock God!
A Must Read!
Going in a had some preconceived notions about Jimi Hendrix. Despite being a rock legend to the wider world, Jimi isn't really talked about in the Black community. The biggest Black rock star of maybe all time isn't ever talked about by Black people.
Its bizarre and sad.
And that was something that bothered Jimi as well. He was crushed by the fact that when he looked out into his concert crowds it was filled with white people. Jimi loved being Black and he loved Black music and Black culture but that love wasn't returned. I must admit that I was one of those Black people who didn't really care for him. I thought based on the little I knew that he was one of those Black people who got famous and turned his back on his culture. It made me feel bad to know that the opposite was true.
Jimi Hendrix was a deeply talented and nice person. Literally no one had anything bad to say about him. Were some people jealous of him(cough Mick Jagger cough)?
Yes!
But even they said he was a good guy. I've read enough biographies to know that its rare for someone that famous to stay a good person.
I listened to Jimi's music while I read this book and while its not really my type of music. I could hear all the artists that he influenced mostly I heard were Prince got some influences from him. I don't think you need to be a Hendrix fan to enjoy this biography or even a fan of rock music. I think people who like to read about American grit would love this book, because Jimi Hendrix came from nothing and single handedly made himself a rock God!
A Must Read!
August 22, 2012
I grew up riding other people’s horses in the vacant lot next to Jimi’s dad’s house. I heard all the neighborhood stories and met all the people at parties who claimed to have seen Jimi play back in the day or who say they went to school with him (it’s amazing how many people say they graduated with Jimi when he never graduated from high school. Not to mention the fact that Jimi never lived in this particular house with his dad and didn’t even attend the same schools as these people). I met Cross at a reading given by my former instructor David Shields. I had not read A Room Full of Mirrors at this point (I’m not sure it was even released yet). I mentioned a short story I wrote that was loosely based on something that happened in the neighborhood that was never public knowledge. Cross not only knew the story I was writing about but gave me the amazing details of the story that came after my story. Sadly, I think Cross knows Hendrix better than Jimi’s family ever did. His writing is a perfect balance of someone who is a good story teller but has the journalistic approach and particulars that make you feel like you are a part of the scene. I have to admit despite knowing how the book would end, I found myself wishing Cross would somehow bring me to a different place. One of the few times I would have been happy to follow.
January 27, 2021
As the youngest of seven children, there was music throughout our household. This is what has led to my vast knowledge of all genres of music, and an appreciation for artists and music before my time. Jimi Hendrix was an enigma to many. The author does an excellent job defining why, and the circumstance that drove that perception. From a young Hendrix growing in poverty and struggled to make his way through, to his joining the military, and his not being accepted in the U.S. for his music.
With this experience, Hendrix traveled to the U.K. where his experience with the music scene and chance encounters shaped his thought process, his creativity, and his success. Eventually, this also led to his demise and short-lived life. For any lover of music, this book offers excellent insight into the early struggles of music, society, and lifestyle all collide.
With this experience, Hendrix traveled to the U.K. where his experience with the music scene and chance encounters shaped his thought process, his creativity, and his success. Eventually, this also led to his demise and short-lived life. For any lover of music, this book offers excellent insight into the early struggles of music, society, and lifestyle all collide.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 14, 2015
I'll proudly stick my hand up and admit to being a bit obsessed with Jimi Hendrix. He was just such a amazing spirit. He descended, blew up what everyone thought a guitar could do and then vanished into the mist.
In the mean time he did a lot of drugs and lived a life that is almost unfathomable. This book details the messy chaos that swirled around him in a fun and easy read.
I found it difficult to put down, but again, I'm a huge Hendrix fan. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to everybody, but if you got some "Voodoo Chile" in you, go get this book!
In the mean time he did a lot of drugs and lived a life that is almost unfathomable. This book details the messy chaos that swirled around him in a fun and easy read.
I found it difficult to put down, but again, I'm a huge Hendrix fan. I wouldn't necessarily recommend it to everybody, but if you got some "Voodoo Chile" in you, go get this book!
September 30, 2022
There is nothing here that diminished my love and respect for Jimi. Indeed, his flaws (and there were several) seem to make him more relatable. Charles Cross is a fan (that much is obvious) but he writes with just enough detachment to keep things in perspective. This is best read with musical interludes of ‘Electric Ladyland’ and ‘Are You Experienced.’
August 11, 2018
Just finished reading. 4 out 5 stars.
I read a different Hendrix biography when I was a teenager in the 80s and have always loved and listened to his music but as far as his life its been a while. New things I learned or had my memory refreshed on. His Parents were not good people and unfit Parents. Hendrix was one of these people that had no business drinking and caused problems for everyone including himself when he was drunk. He had black fans but overall was rejected in Harlem and the black audience who thought he was weird. Years later when he was a major star fresh off his iconic Woodstock performance he did a free benefit show in Harlem for a political organization and only 400 people showed up. They booed and threw things at the stage. He was embraced by the white hippy types in Grenwich Village and had to go to London to really gain acceptance where he was fawned over by all the biggest rock stars of that time before he made it big. He was co managed by a former British Intelligence agent who took him to London where a still unknown Hendrix to a large degree re invented himself and was instantly rubbing elbows with famous rock stars and wealthy hipsters. David McGowan readers read into that what you will.
I read a different Hendrix biography when I was a teenager in the 80s and have always loved and listened to his music but as far as his life its been a while. New things I learned or had my memory refreshed on. His Parents were not good people and unfit Parents. Hendrix was one of these people that had no business drinking and caused problems for everyone including himself when he was drunk. He had black fans but overall was rejected in Harlem and the black audience who thought he was weird. Years later when he was a major star fresh off his iconic Woodstock performance he did a free benefit show in Harlem for a political organization and only 400 people showed up. They booed and threw things at the stage. He was embraced by the white hippy types in Grenwich Village and had to go to London to really gain acceptance where he was fawned over by all the biggest rock stars of that time before he made it big. He was co managed by a former British Intelligence agent who took him to London where a still unknown Hendrix to a large degree re invented himself and was instantly rubbing elbows with famous rock stars and wealthy hipsters. David McGowan readers read into that what you will.
January 31, 2011
This book was extremely amazing.
It begins with Jimi's life as a young child, and builds up to his life as an adult.
It's obvious that Cross REALLY did his research because all of his connections who he interviewed were extremely personal, and each of them had a close relationship with Jimi.
The most interesting parts for me entailed the people that Jimi met along the road to stardom, and how Cross just captured his life so well.
There were also some parts that even made me chuckle out loud because there's a hint of humor in the writing which is also full of wittiness. There's no doubt that Cross prepared for years before his biography got published, because the encounters throughout the book are much too personal to have been gathered over the course of less than 3 years.
And, of course it's no surprise, Jimi does die. Haha..
But that part of Hendrix's beautiful story is captured so intimately that you feel like you're right smack dab in the middle of it all!
Such a great tribute to one of the best musicians of our all time.
Long live Jimi.
It begins with Jimi's life as a young child, and builds up to his life as an adult.
It's obvious that Cross REALLY did his research because all of his connections who he interviewed were extremely personal, and each of them had a close relationship with Jimi.
The most interesting parts for me entailed the people that Jimi met along the road to stardom, and how Cross just captured his life so well.
There were also some parts that even made me chuckle out loud because there's a hint of humor in the writing which is also full of wittiness. There's no doubt that Cross prepared for years before his biography got published, because the encounters throughout the book are much too personal to have been gathered over the course of less than 3 years.
And, of course it's no surprise, Jimi does die. Haha..
But that part of Hendrix's beautiful story is captured so intimately that you feel like you're right smack dab in the middle of it all!
Such a great tribute to one of the best musicians of our all time.
Long live Jimi.
September 11, 2013
Beautiful, compassionate, well-researched, this biography of Jimi Hendrix belongs on the shelf of any fan of classic rock.
Charles R. Cross captures all the different sides of Jimi, arguably the most complex of the great Sixties rock stars. Blues man, mystic, science fiction visionary, flamboyant showman, Jimi Hendrix comes alive in these pages like never before. Moreover, the heart-wrenching chapters on Jimi's childhood in Seattle add new insight to his tragic end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves good music and legendary artists.
Charles R. Cross captures all the different sides of Jimi, arguably the most complex of the great Sixties rock stars. Blues man, mystic, science fiction visionary, flamboyant showman, Jimi Hendrix comes alive in these pages like never before. Moreover, the heart-wrenching chapters on Jimi's childhood in Seattle add new insight to his tragic end.
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves good music and legendary artists.
October 29, 2011
Room Full of Mirrors
is a well researched and fair account of the life of Jimi Hendrix. Although clearly a fan, Cross doesn't shy away from the negative side of Hendrix, which included drug use (surprise?) and violence.
More than 40 years after his death, Hendrix is still considered one of the most innovative, talented and influential guitar players of all time. It's remarkable to think that the entirety of his solo career spanned only 4.5 years.
More than 40 years after his death, Hendrix is still considered one of the most innovative, talented and influential guitar players of all time. It's remarkable to think that the entirety of his solo career spanned only 4.5 years.
Read
May 15, 2019Very revealing! Being such an awesome musician as he is, it is no surprise there are countless books and articles discussing Jimi Hendrix's musical legacy. But that also means we rarely strumble upon a book or an article which touch on his personal side, especially when he rarely give any details about it in interviews, as though the topic was too painful for him to touch.
This book is one of those rare gems which made an admirable attempt to elaborate various aspects of Jimi's bleak and intense childhood and how it might had contributed to and influence his latter life as a flamboyant musician. Definitely a good read!
This book is one of those rare gems which made an admirable attempt to elaborate various aspects of Jimi's bleak and intense childhood and how it might had contributed to and influence his latter life as a flamboyant musician. Definitely a good read!
November 11, 2020
This is a well-researched, generally sympathetic biography of the iconic rock guitarist and musician. I've been a fan for 50 years beginning when I bought his debut LP. I could've done with less his sex and drugs and more of his rock-and-roll. Lots of material from the interviews with those who knew him best are included. I enjoyed the discussions about his music the most.
March 14, 2019
Oh Jimi.
It’s probably not well known but growing up in Seattle, Washington, Jimi Hendrix was a painfully shy kid with abusive and alcoholic parents. It’s something he never really shook despite the flamboyant outfits, guitar pyrotechnics, groupies piled up outside his door, and reckless drug use. When he had moments of quiet, admittedly a rare time from his career taking off in London in his early 20’s to his death at 27, he would be at times part introspective part despondent. He had created a character (guitar burning wild man) that brought him the success he craved only to discover that it trapped him in a gilded cage making him captive to the expectations of everyone around him.
There were times were I just wanted give the man a hug and tell him it was gonna be alright but perhaps this is how it was meant to be. He lived more lives in 6 short years than most do in a lifetime. He was incandescence in human form. An angel, a shaman, a shy little kid, a lover, kind, a jerk, an outrageously talented musician, and so much more. Had his life story gone a different way perhaps we aren’t talking about him like we are today. In this sense, he was a human sacrifice to his music. Hyperbole? Perhaps. But Jimi’s whole life was hyperbole. He knew no other way. He almost seems unreal. As if no human being could have lived a life like this. But he did. And the world should be grateful to him for it.
It’s probably not well known but growing up in Seattle, Washington, Jimi Hendrix was a painfully shy kid with abusive and alcoholic parents. It’s something he never really shook despite the flamboyant outfits, guitar pyrotechnics, groupies piled up outside his door, and reckless drug use. When he had moments of quiet, admittedly a rare time from his career taking off in London in his early 20’s to his death at 27, he would be at times part introspective part despondent. He had created a character (guitar burning wild man) that brought him the success he craved only to discover that it trapped him in a gilded cage making him captive to the expectations of everyone around him.
There were times were I just wanted give the man a hug and tell him it was gonna be alright but perhaps this is how it was meant to be. He lived more lives in 6 short years than most do in a lifetime. He was incandescence in human form. An angel, a shaman, a shy little kid, a lover, kind, a jerk, an outrageously talented musician, and so much more. Had his life story gone a different way perhaps we aren’t talking about him like we are today. In this sense, he was a human sacrifice to his music. Hyperbole? Perhaps. But Jimi’s whole life was hyperbole. He knew no other way. He almost seems unreal. As if no human being could have lived a life like this. But he did. And the world should be grateful to him for it.
December 20, 2013
This is a wonderfully researched and deeply moving look at the amazing, incredible Jimi. From poverty to greatness, he lived in two divergent ends of the spectrum during his prolific, sadly short life. He gave so much, bringing blues and rock to new heights. He was truly a legend. This book shows Jimi as a real man, with faults and insecurities. A man who accomplished greatness in his short, tumultuous life. This biography gives a deeper insight and appreciation of all aspects of Jimi's life. It was a sad life yet his musical genius will undoubtedly live forever.
August 21, 2019
This book is so awesome.
March 1, 2017
Having been a huge fan of Jimi and his music over the years, I had read a few books on his career and downfall. However, I had to admit that I did not know very much about his personal life and his early years. Room Full of Mirrors exposed for me the young Hendrix and all the hardships he endured at such a young age. It's amazing that he made it through his childhood, to be honest. Extremely poor and extremely neglected by his parents, Jimi was a success if for any other reason, enduring these tribulations.
When his success started to take off in Europe, Jimi just never seemed to find a comfortable place to fit in. The United States shunned him for many years. The white population looked at him differently due to racial stereotyping. The black community never fully accepted him into their fold as they thought he was selling out his race. Many fellow musicians were jealous of his talents. He was taken advantage of by his managers and record contracts.
Through all of this, Jimi never was comfortable in this role as a pop/rock star. He succumbed to the same tropes that most in this position do. The drugs, the women, the self destructive nature, etc. All resulting in a tragic story line where a gifted star never reached his potential.
Mr. Cross' book is a must read for any of you that were fans of Jimi and his music. Even those on the fence, this book opens you up into the culture of the time and let's you relive the rise and fall of a tremendous talent. Here's hoping that you found your roomful of mirrors, Jimi!
When his success started to take off in Europe, Jimi just never seemed to find a comfortable place to fit in. The United States shunned him for many years. The white population looked at him differently due to racial stereotyping. The black community never fully accepted him into their fold as they thought he was selling out his race. Many fellow musicians were jealous of his talents. He was taken advantage of by his managers and record contracts.
Through all of this, Jimi never was comfortable in this role as a pop/rock star. He succumbed to the same tropes that most in this position do. The drugs, the women, the self destructive nature, etc. All resulting in a tragic story line where a gifted star never reached his potential.
Mr. Cross' book is a must read for any of you that were fans of Jimi and his music. Even those on the fence, this book opens you up into the culture of the time and let's you relive the rise and fall of a tremendous talent. Here's hoping that you found your roomful of mirrors, Jimi!
February 18, 2010
Room Full of Mirrors is a really compelling and inspiring biography of one of the most fascinating musicians to ever live. Charles R. Cross describes the life of one of the greatest rock and roll artists to live. The struggles of living the rock and roll life, and surviving on sex, drugs, and rock n' roll. Not only does it describe the life of Jimi Hendix, but it also describes the hippie movement of the 60's, and growing up as a black child in the 40's and the prejudice against african americans. The book really picks up when Jimi first starts playing the guitar, and you get to see the inspirations behind his songs and playing style.
August 3, 2024
A truly rags-to-riches story that's the perfect template for a perfect rock-star biography. Johnny "Buster" Hendrix's rapid, remarkable morphing into "the Jimi Hendrix Experience" and beyond - as perhaps the greatest rock guitarist of all time (RGOAT) - hurtles to Jimi's early entry into the 27 Club (a week before Janis Joplin, 9 months before Jim Morrison), a story expertly told by music writer Charles E. Cross, who described his book as his "4-year, 325 interview effort to crack that code"-.that of an icon stripped of humanity and seemingly unknowable -"and turn him...into a portrait of a man." Cross succeeds magnificently. Much of the story is not pretty, for reasons easily conjured up, but those of us who grew up listening to Hendrix's music must surely be grateful for so honest and intelligent a biography.
November 12, 2020
A long, detailed book about a short meteoric life. A remarkable read for anyone interested in the rock god who changed music.
The poignant and even tragic, personal stories are balanced with juicy insider stories of rock stars dead and still living, as well as humor and a lot of irony.
His plans for the future promised amazing things, and it's tragic that they didn't come to be.
The poignant and even tragic, personal stories are balanced with juicy insider stories of rock stars dead and still living, as well as humor and a lot of irony.
His plans for the future promised amazing things, and it's tragic that they didn't come to be.
July 26, 2011
A well written, informative biography of Jimi Hendrix. We had just watched "Woodstock" again which left me wanting to know about the life of a very talented guitar player. The book did not disappoint. Jimi came from a troubled home which set the tone for the rest of his young life. His parent's relationship with one another and his mother (whom he loved) leaving the home and leaving Jimi and his brother's care to the father (who was a role model of the wrong ilk) provided the rocky foundation for Jimi's life. Once he discovered what a guitar could do, he was thwarted by the lack of funds and so contented himself to play guitar with a broom (the first air guitar, perhaps). Jimi endured years of emotional and physical abuse by his father; he had siblings that were given away; and he was always poor. Once Jimi obtained a guitar, he wouldn't let go of it, even sleeping with it on his chest while in the army. There are so may factors that lead to his early death. He never had a place of his own to sleep, had little to eat, slept with more ladies than one can count, and, found drugs. No one ever said the life of a musician was easy and Jimi's life proved that axiom true. It was interesting to see how Jimi's life crossed with so many other musicians of the time, how he enjoyed the music of Frank Sinatra, and how money, once made, slipped through his fingers. Jimi's mother was buried in a pauper's grave, ironically, Jimi was buried but 200 yards away - but her grave was never tended to and the family did not know how close Jimi was in death to the mother he loved in life.
September 30, 2012
I really need a better Hendrix biography to read. Can someone get on that?
This book suffered from what a lot of biographies do.
It was written by someone who does not necessarily appreciate the subject, nor is he a good journalist.
There is little to no detailed discussion of music, and there is no analysis at all, which is, right or wrong, one of the main aspects of a major musician's life I want to read about.
There are many goofy factual errors, names mis-spelled, that sort of thing, and the author also had the odd habit of dropping in statements that made me go, HUH!?. For instance, at around page 230 he mentions offhandedly that Jimi's eyesight was so poor he could never have gotten a driver's license. After reading a man's life story I would have thought that might have come up. He made a lot of statements like this that gave me the impression that I had missed something.
If you set out to write a book like this I don't think you should necessarily be a Superfan of the subject, but you should at least come off in the text like you're familiar with it, and you should definitely apply a journalistic rigor to the research. I just don't feel like either of these aspects are to be found in this book. If you want to know who Jimi was dating then this is the book for you, although the girl's name is likely to be mis-spelled, if you want to know more about the music, don't bother looking here.
This book suffered from what a lot of biographies do.
It was written by someone who does not necessarily appreciate the subject, nor is he a good journalist.
There is little to no detailed discussion of music, and there is no analysis at all, which is, right or wrong, one of the main aspects of a major musician's life I want to read about.
There are many goofy factual errors, names mis-spelled, that sort of thing, and the author also had the odd habit of dropping in statements that made me go, HUH!?. For instance, at around page 230 he mentions offhandedly that Jimi's eyesight was so poor he could never have gotten a driver's license. After reading a man's life story I would have thought that might have come up. He made a lot of statements like this that gave me the impression that I had missed something.
If you set out to write a book like this I don't think you should necessarily be a Superfan of the subject, but you should at least come off in the text like you're familiar with it, and you should definitely apply a journalistic rigor to the research. I just don't feel like either of these aspects are to be found in this book. If you want to know who Jimi was dating then this is the book for you, although the girl's name is likely to be mis-spelled, if you want to know more about the music, don't bother looking here.
April 17, 2013
This is an unbiased, well researched and documented biography of the greatest guitarist in rock and roll history. We all have heard stories about Jimi Hendrix, but this bio puts everything into perspective. From his youth being dirt poor and tossed around to aunts and foster parents and friends to becoming the highest paid musician in the world after years of playing the guitar obsessively and on the Chittlin' Circuit, JH was quite the success story. Unfortunately he couldn't escape the room full of mirrors that tormented his soul. Excellent read for anyone who loves music including the blues and rock and roll, as well as the psychedelic rock era.
August 28, 2008
This felt like a long article from "Uncut" rather than a book. Lots of details, some period colour, and some anecdotes I hadn't heard before : but very little scene-setting, history, analysis, and also not much show of enthusiasm for the subject.
As a comparison, Charles Shaar Murray's Hendrix bio Crosstown Traffic: Jimi Hendrix and Post-War Pop is more breathless but works hard to place Hendrix in a context of Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Miles Davis, Segovia.
Worth it for the opening anecdote.
As a comparison, Charles Shaar Murray's Hendrix bio Crosstown Traffic: Jimi Hendrix and Post-War Pop is more breathless but works hard to place Hendrix in a context of Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Miles Davis, Segovia.
Worth it for the opening anecdote.
August 13, 2009
This is hands down the best biography I have ever read. Sometimes I find a biography taxing because at certain points, it is just a blast of dates and minor details. Charles Cross does a fantastic job of making an interesting read the whole way through. I learned oodles of information on Hendrix that I hadn't known before. Very informative. I rate this a 5!
August 19, 2012
A great biography of Hendrix, it delves into some areas of Jimi's life (including him being a fanboy of Bob Dylan) and presents the legendary musician as a human as opposed to the psychadelic shaman that is the default setting of most articles/books written about him. Highly recommended for fans of music, guitarists, the sixties, and pop culture.
August 23, 2020
5 Stars for Room Full Of Mirrors: A Biography Of Jimi Hendrix (audiobook)by Charles R. Cross read by Lloyd James. This book answered a lot of questions I had about Jimi Hendrix’s life and death. It’s a well written story that goes into a lot of detail and often quotes sources. I really enjoyed it.
January 27, 2024
one of the best biographies i've ever read. few thoughts i had while reading:
i wish for society to stop segregating music so much. granted hendrix wasn't popular w the black community for a few reasons that can be understandable, knowing that his choice to have played rock instead of r&b or jazz having been one of the reasons saddens me a bit. just saying that the less you stereotype music, the more chances you get at discovering inspiring and timeless sounds.
lsd could potentially be a cure for homophobia. not gonna further elaborate on it.
it must have been a crazy time to be alive during the prime of little richard, curtis mayfield, otis redding, miles davis, dionne warwick, tina and ike, pink floyd, the doors, the rolling stones, joni mitchell and so many other music greats living or dead. it was so cool reading about the connections big or small that jimi had with so many of them.
at the end of the day we really do eventually become our parents. we inherit the good and bad. we just have to decide if that's something we want to actively change or let run its course i guess.
no doubt this will be one of my favorite reads for the year tho.
i wish for society to stop segregating music so much. granted hendrix wasn't popular w the black community for a few reasons that can be understandable, knowing that his choice to have played rock instead of r&b or jazz having been one of the reasons saddens me a bit. just saying that the less you stereotype music, the more chances you get at discovering inspiring and timeless sounds.
lsd could potentially be a cure for homophobia. not gonna further elaborate on it.
it must have been a crazy time to be alive during the prime of little richard, curtis mayfield, otis redding, miles davis, dionne warwick, tina and ike, pink floyd, the doors, the rolling stones, joni mitchell and so many other music greats living or dead. it was so cool reading about the connections big or small that jimi had with so many of them.
at the end of the day we really do eventually become our parents. we inherit the good and bad. we just have to decide if that's something we want to actively change or let run its course i guess.
no doubt this will be one of my favorite reads for the year tho.
January 24, 2008
Loved this book. It is a true account of Jimi's life, from the beginning to the very end. This book examines his passion for music; he slept with his guitar in his early years. The author takes you on a journey of Jimi Hendrix the musician, the son, the lover the partier and the brother. He seemed like a really good guy, and was truly talented. He weaved through different bands before becoming "Jimi Hendrix", eventually resenting the mainstream perception of who he was as an artist. He got tired of all of the gimmicks and expectations during his concerts, despite popular belief that he enjoyed these things (setting his guitar on fire, playing with his mouth, etc.) So sad that he died so early in his life, when he was receiving so much attention for his role as a musical artist. Drugs, drugs, drugs! And finally, I learned that there is a little Jimi Hendrix out there in the world somewhere today; the offspring of a fantastic and gifted artist. Amazing we don't hear about him.
July 7, 2011
Generally speaking I really enjoyed this book....I am a hater of biographies but because I am a massive Hendrix fan I decided to give this a go.
The amount of facts in this book is incredible and I can only imagine the amount of work the author went to, to gather up all that detail. But this maybe a potential problem for some, the author laid out the facts about Hendrix without dramatising it too much. For me this wasn't an issue since I knew all of Hendrix's songs I enjoyed getting the facts behind them, I wasn't really interested on what else was going on at the time etc.
The start of the book is also very interesting learning about Hendrix's early life and getting a feel for growing up as a young African-American in Seattle.
Sorry first review so forgive me if it was rubbish.
I think if you are Hendrix fan you will really get a lot out of the book, if not I think it will come across a bit clinical.
The amount of facts in this book is incredible and I can only imagine the amount of work the author went to, to gather up all that detail. But this maybe a potential problem for some, the author laid out the facts about Hendrix without dramatising it too much. For me this wasn't an issue since I knew all of Hendrix's songs I enjoyed getting the facts behind them, I wasn't really interested on what else was going on at the time etc.
The start of the book is also very interesting learning about Hendrix's early life and getting a feel for growing up as a young African-American in Seattle.
Sorry first review so forgive me if it was rubbish.
I think if you are Hendrix fan you will really get a lot out of the book, if not I think it will come across a bit clinical.
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