The Words and Music of Jimi Hendrix
By (Author) David V. Moskowitz
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Praeger Publishers Inc
21st October 2010
United States
Tertiary Education
Non Fiction
B
Hardback
224
Width 156mm, Height 235mm
510g
This comprehensive discussion of the singer/songwriter/guitarist's life carves autobiographical details from the lyrics of his song catalog. Jimi Hendrix was a rock 'n' roll guitar god and remains an important rock icon, still popular despite the four decades that have passed since his death in 1970. The Words and Music of Jimi Hendrix uses Hendrix's musicincluding the posthumous album Valleys of Neptune, released on March 9, 2010to shed light on the details of the singer/songwriter's all-too-brief life. Organized chronologically, the book provides an in-depth look at Hendrix's life, carving autobiographical details from his lyrics. At the same time, it offers readers a better understanding of the superstar's music and the forces behind it. The book focuses on the three albums released during Hendrix's life, as well as the major posthumous works. Priority is also given to touring and to the influence of other guitarists.
Moskowitz (Univ. of South Dakota, Vermillion) does what few have: he ties the texts of Hendrix's works to events, people, and places in his life. The volume is complete, thorough, and engaging. Writing in a somewhat conversational tone, the author invites the reader to internalize the meanings of the Hendrix texts and take away the intent of the artist. . . . The extensive tour-set list and discography will be exceptionally valuable to those interested in the guitar as well as in Hendrix. A significant contribution to the literature. . . . Highly recommended. * Choice *
David Moskowitz is associate professor of music at the University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD.