Writing (Andrew has the ability to do it)

If you’ve never heard of a man called Jimi Hendrix, prepared to be informed. Mr. Hendrix was born in the state of Washington during the December of 1942. After serving in the 101st airborne division, he got busy playing guitar in bars located across the southern U.S. collectively known as “The Chitlin Circuit.” He played backing guitar for many, many bands before gaining any money or fame.

Next, meet Eric Clapton, one of the biggest guitarists of the 60′s. Playing with the likes of “Bluesbreakers” and “The Yardbirds” (a band that Jimmy Page and Jeff beck both played in) he quickly gained the title of God, and was named by many the greatest guitarist in the world. Eric Clapton joined super-group Cream, and now the stage was set. These two men would now cross paths, changing the history of popular music forever.

In 1966, bassist Chas Chandler, of  “the Animals” fame, decided to put down his instrument for a while and produce some new talent. A women named Linda Keith introduced Hendrix to Chandler, who went to see him in a bar. Chandler loved the song “Hey Joe”, a folk song that he beleived could be turned into a hit single. So what happens? He walks into the venue only to find Jimi Hendrix coincidentally performing his version of “Hey Joe.”

Coindidence counter: 1

Chas Asked Hendrix if he wanted to come to England, to which Hendrix replies “Only if you introduce me to Eric Clapton.” So the two head of to london, and eventually arrive at a Cream gig. Jimi Hendrix walks on stage, plugs into Jack Bruce’s amp (the bassist), and jams with Eric Clapton, the God. Now Eric Clapton always thought that the song “Killing Floor” was too fast for him to play. But what does Jimi Hendrix play? Coincidentally,  Killing Floor, and in double time no less.

Coincidence counter: 2

Eric Clapton puts down his guitar and steps off stage to watch, unable to keep up with Hendrix. Later Chas Chandler finds Eric Clapton backstage smoking cigarettes, shaking to the point that he struggled lighting another one. Eric Clapton told Chandler “You didn’t tell me he was that f**king good!” Jimi Hendrix had slayed the God, and his performances in Britain were frequented by British Rock stars such as Pete Townshend, Jeff Beck, and even Clapton. In fact, as legend has it, one night Jeff Beck, Clapton, and Jimmy Page were attending one of his shows. Clapton stepped outside, running into Page and Beck, who were talking outside. Jeff Beck stated “Well, looks like we’re in trouble” referring to Jimi’s amazing skill. Page, Beck, and Clapton which coincidentally happen to be the three Yardbird guitarists?

Coincidence counter: 3

I think those are all the coincidences that appear in this story (Or are they?). Remember that one time when I wrote about Jimi Hendrix’s first encounter with Eric Clapton? Of course you do because I wrote it about 2 paragraphs ago. Well, that day was the beginning of a long, but relative to the longevity of a person’s life, short relationship between two of the best and most influential guitarists ever. For a while they shared musical styles, amplifiers , band roles (Guitarist/Singer), and even hair and clothes styles. That’s right, they were such regular pals that Clapton shared Hendrix’s perm and strange dressing style, and Hendrix got a couple of 100 watt Marshall stacks like the matching amps that Clapton’s band Cream used.

They did everything together. They jammed, went to each others concerts, sniffed cocaine and had lengthy debates on life, conquered Britain with super natural guitar playing… you know, just how you expect a normal friendship to be. One particular conversation they had was even recorded and partially transcribed-

Jimi- I want to see the South Pole… I want to see the North Pole,Iwant to see Moscow, you know. I want to witness a slight bit of pain of what I hear about. I don’t want propoganda,or to be hurt by it,
I want to witness hurt for at least a minute or two.

Clapton- to witness it man, for months and really die, you know-that’s the way I’d die a million times

Other than the obvious involvement of drugs, you can tell that this conversation was between 2 close friends. But alas, their friendship could not last. One day Eric Clapton found a white, left handed stratocaster guitar which he bought for Hendrix, and that night took the guitar with him to a concert where he was going to meet him. However Jimi Hendrix didn’t show up and, coincidentally, the next day, Jimi Hendrix was found dead, due to a lethal combination of wine and sleeping pills, only 4 years after the two had met.

Coincidence counter: 4

So I suppose that if I had to assign a reason for writing this article, it would have to be this; coincidences may lead to great things such as multi-million dollar record deals, international fame, historical immortality, and of course a great friend.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimi_hendrix

http://www.cream2005.com/images/photos/photo15_1_425x636.jpg

http://www.icis.com/blogs/asian-chemical-connections/jimi-hendrix.jpg

http://jordicarreno.files.wordpress.com/2008/10/eric-clapton-miembro-de-the-cream.jpg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mh-B9UyxBw

http://blog.seattlepi.com/thebigblog/archives/123135.asp

http://houstonramblings.typepad.com/.a/6a00d8341d577053ef01156fe52b9f970b-300wi

By the way, Clapton and Hendrix BOTH curled their hair because they both liked Bob Dylan’s hairstyle. Coincidentally, this happened before the two ever met.

Coincidence counter: 5