The Jimi Hendrix Experience began in 1966. In summer of 1966, while playing the rounds of small venues in Greenwich Village, Jimmy caught up with Animals’ bassist Chas Chandler. Chandler was impressed with Jimmy’s performance and returned in September 1966 to sign Hendrix an agreement that would have him move to London to start a new band, the Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Switching from bass player to manager, Chandler first decided to change Jimmy’s name to ‘Jimi’. Featuring drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding, the newly formed Jimi Hendrix Experience quickly became the talk of London in the fall of 1966.

The Experience’s first single, “Hey Joe”, spent ten weeks on the UK charts, topping out at spot number six in early 1967. The debut single was soon followed by the release of a full-length album titled ‘Are You Experienced’.

 ‘Are You Experienced’ has remained one of the most popular rock albums of all time, featuring tracks like “Purple Haze”, “The Wind Cries Mary”, “Foxey Lady”, “Fire”, and “Are You Experienced?”

Although Hendrix had overwhelming success in Britain, it wasn't until he returned to America in June 1967 that he ignited the crowd at the Monterey International Pop Festival with his incredible performance of "Wild Thing". Literally overnight, the Jimi Hendrix Experience became one of the most popular and highest grossing touring acts in the world.

Hendrix followed 'Are You Experienced' with 'Axis: Bold As Love'. Back in America, Jimi built his own recording studio, Electric Lady Studios in New York City. The name of this project became the basis for his most demanding musical release, 'Electric Ladyland'.

Throughout 1968, the demands of touring and studio work took its toll on the group and in 1969, the Experience disbanded.

The summer of 1969 brought emotional and musical growth to Hendrix. In playing the Woodstock and Music and Art Fair in August 1969, Jimi joined forces with a group called Gypsy Sun and Rainbows. The Woodstock performance was highlighted by the renegade version of "The Star Spangled Banner". Tn 1970, Jimi brought drummer Mitch Mitchell and new bassist Billy Cox to re-form the Jimi Hendrix Experience. Unfortunately, Jimi was unable to see this new vision through because of his death on September 18,1970.