Jimi Hendrix

It's such a personal account of the times and places Jimi grew up in. For me its charming and very touching!For the music of Jimi I do have most (or all) of the good and important books, also written from different angles.Thanks to all who wrote good reviews, which helped me a lot to select the right books!

Very I sight full many new facts I did not know. A must for anyone who wants to know more about the Real Jimi. Also a very moving book. Superb.!!!

Awesome book. A definite read if you are a Jimi Hendrix fan. A++++++

I really love this book. I have been a huge Jimi Hendrix fan many years and have read many books about his life, this book has new insight and one of the best I have read about Jimi . Leon Hendrix is Jimi's little brother, he wrote a very heartfelt, honest, compelling story of his life with Jimi. Their tragic childhood years were so very sad there were times when I was brought to tears. I could imagine these two young brothers together during many sad days, playing on the streets with little food to eat, dirty clothes with holes in their shoes, waiting for their father to return from late night jobs and hiding in the closet from social workers. Jimi was a hero and wonderful big brother to Leon, he saved Leon's life two times, once from being hit by a train! Their mother died when they were just kids. I learned the true personal inspiration behind many of Jimi's songs like "Castles Made of Sand" which is one of my favorite songs was about their mother , Father, and Leon. The story about Leon and their dad hearing Jimi's first album with a hippy couple next door was hilarious! The book takes on so many twist and turns I couldn't wait to find out what would happen next to Leon and Jimi. Leon had his own problems just as Jimi's carrer takes off. Jimi wanted Leon to join him on the road not long before he passed. I think Leon may have been able to look out for Jimi if that had happened. There were so many vultures in Jimi's life at that time he knew he needed someone to have his back. Leon is a surviver and is inspired by God and Jimi to find a new passion in life with his own music. I think it is very unfair that Leon and his family have been completely cut out of the estate. Shame on Janie the step sister, this is not what Jimi or Al would want. ((Leon)), Jimi is always with you as you said and I know he is proud of you. Keep Rockin' and God Bless. I hope I can catch your show someday and thank you in person for sharing your story. Hugs!

A great insight into Jimi Hendrix, pre-Sept/1966, when Chas Chandler 'discovered' him in NYC.

Leon Hendrix has the unique advantage of being the only surviving member of the family that was there when Jimi was growing up.This biography is honestly titled, it's the brother's story. On the other hand, Leon's account of his childhood is an account of JH's childhood. The story of the relationship of a younger brother to an older brother rings true. And his account of the negative relationship his father had with Jimi accords with others' observations - for example Kathy Etchingham in  Through Gypsy Eyes: My Life, The 60s, and Jimi Hendrix  and others incluing Al himself in  Jimi Hendrix [Special Edition] [DVD] [1973 ] or some of the interviews with JH  Hendrix on Hendrix: Interviews and Encounters with Jimi Hendrix (Musicians in Their Own Words) Roby, Steven ( Author ) Oct-01-2012 Hardcover The brother's focus on food and the meals they ate can only confirm the poverty (material and emotional) surrounding JH's early life. It would be so interesting to know more of why JH was so generous to his father despite everything.You're not going to find out much about JH the musician here though the anecdotes about how he got started and his relationships with others during 66-70 are reasonably consistent with other stories. There is a fair amount here to fill out "whither Jimi Hendrix?".It's a reasonable view about what has happened to his musical legacy too. (Though his treatment of Band of Gypsys doesn't seem to accord with JH's recorded opinion)The book was written a long time afterwards and after a lot of water had flowed under the bridge. It's still worth a read. Both to explain a bit more about JH and also as a counter factual: Leon's story could equally be how JH might have turned out but for. Alas, as with so many of books of this genre, it's not very well written. Through Gypsy Eyes: My Life, The 60s, and Jimi HendrixJimi Hendrix [Special Edition] [DVD] [1973Hendrix on Hendrix: Interviews and Encounters with Jimi Hendrix (Musicians in Their Own Words) Roby, Steven ( Author ) Oct-01-2012 Hardcover