As stated in the book, this is not a Jimi Hendrix biography, as many have already been written. This is a fascinating trip into the mind one of the greatest guitar players of all time. Jonathan Stathakis shares his personal conversations with Hendrix, which chronicles the final year of Jimi’s life. Stathakis sheds light on this shy and vulnerable rock icon, and explains how he entered Hendrix’s inner circle.
As described in “Jimi and Me,” Stathakis is a photographer that is brought in my Hendrix’s entourage to help develop a movie project for the guitarist. While in the mix of Hendrix’s associates, Stathakis befriends Jimi and is exposed to Jimi’s sheltered personal side. Stathakis doesn’t see Hendrix as a drug addict as sometimes perceived, but an occasional user addicted to just one thing, his passion for music.
Along the journey, the author meets Michael Jeffery, Jimi’s manager, who some have theorized might have had Hendrix ultimately killed in 1970. Jeffery appears to be a complex man with a mysterious background. Stathakis exams the speculation and fabrications regarding the complicated manager. Did Jeffery want Stathakis to spy on Hendrix? Did he have mafia connections? Was Jeffery connected to British Intelligence?
In his many discussions with Hendrix, Stathakis learns of Jimi’s past and how he became infatuated with the guitar. Sadly, his mother passed away early in Jimi’s life, and he would reveal that he had never seen her grave. Hendrix explains why he entered the Army, and how he was discovered as a musician. Stathakis takes us on the road to Woodstock, and describes his experiences at the game changing musical festival.
Stathakis takes us back to his final conversations with Hendrix before his death at age 27. He examines the many reports regarding Hendrix’s death, and the contradictory statements made by the woman that was with Jimi when he passed away. Stathakis also takes a look at the many conspiracy theories that have surfaced in recent years. Do any of them have merit?
I thoroughly enjoyed “Jimi and Me,” a five star book!
By: Jonathan Stathakis, Chris Epting – with
Narrated by: Michael Butler Murray
Length: 7 hrs and 21 mins
Release date: 09-10-24
