The Rough Guide to Jimi Hendrix, the Alfred reference book about the life and music of the greatest rock guitarist of all time covers all the key events. You'll witness Jimi's metamorphosis from a misfit youngster growing up in poverty to his rise to international stardom, and from his days as a starving backup musician in the early 1960s to his triumphant appearances at the Monterey Pop and Woodstock rock festivals-not to mention his mysterious and sordid death in 1970.

Special chapters of the book are devoted to vivid descriptions and critical evaluations of all of Jimi's important studio and live albums and his best 30 songs. Special chapters are also devoted to all major live and documentary Hendrix videos; his many musical influences from blues, soul, rock, and jazz; many Hendrix-related sites and shrines; plus his spectacular arsenal of guitar techniques and effects.

American author, journalist, and music researcher, Richie Unterberger brings Jimi's career to light through his extensive writing background, having reviewed records for Op magazine since 1983, having been an editor of the well-known Option magazine since 1985, and having written thousands of entries to an online database of musical biographies and album reviews called Allmusic since 1993. Richie's dense knowledge of popular music culture comes to light in this well-written and specially compiled textbook guide to the life of Jimi Hendrix.