When it comes to the electric guitar, the one thing everyone learns first is that Jimi Hendrix is the greatest to ever play the instrument. But of course, even with all this reputation, we need proof, right? Well, for examples of Hendrix’s talent, look no further than these three documentaries below.
These films have up close and personal videos from Hendrix’s illustrious, though short career. And the list also includes one interpretation of his career by another famous, Grammy Award-winning artist. Below are three movies for every Jimi Hendrix fan.
Videos by American Songwriter
[RELATED: Revisit Jimi Hendrix’s Epic Performance of “Hey Joe” at 1967 Monterey Festival]
1. Jimi: All Is by My Side (2013)
Jimi: All is by My Side, released in 2013 in the U.K. and 2014 in the U.S., starred the Atlanta-born rap star Andre 3000 as Hendrix. The Outkast frontman portrayed the guitar hero throughout his adult life. It shows how Hendrix rose to fame in England with his band The Jimi Hendrix Experience. And it chronicles some of his important live shows, including the Monterey Pop Festival.
2. Jimi Hendrix (1973)
Jimi Hendrix was released just a few years after Hendrix died (he passed away on September 18, 1970). Released in 1973, the movie includes footage from 1967 until 1970, including his epic performance at the Woodstock festival. The doc also includes a number of high-profile cameos, including Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Little Richard, and Pete Townshend.
3. Music, Money, Madness… Jimi Hendrix in Maui (2020)
The Music, Money, Madness…Jimi Hendrix in Maui documentary played in Hendrix’s hometown at the Seattle International Film Festival. It shows the time the musician traveled to and performed in Maui, Hawaii, taking part in a minor film, Rainbow Bridge. This doc gets weird, but in that way, it shows a window into Hendrix’s life and the world around him at the time. See the context around which Hendrix thrived. Hippies and all.
Photo by Avalon/Getty Images
More Features
-
Photo by David Redfern/Redferns -
Musician Bob Seger performs at the Alpine Valley Music Theater, East Troy, Wisconsin, July 13, 1977. (Photo by Paul Natkin/Getty Images) -
Photo by Steve Woods/Mirrorpix via Getty Images -
From left, Paul McCartney (playing a Hofner 500/1 violin bass guitar) and John Lennon (playing a Gibson J-160E acoustic guitar) of English rock and pop group The Beatles perform on stage for the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) music television show 'Shindig!' at Granville Studios in Fulham, London on 3rd October 1964. The band would play three songs on the show, Kansas City/hey-Hey-Hey!, I'm a Loser and Boys. (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns) -
English singers, musicians, and songwriters Mick Jagger (at microphone), Keith Richards and Bill Wyman (far right) of the rock band 'The Rolling Stones,' perform on stage at Madison Square Garden, November 28, 1969. Jagger stands with his hands on his hips, eyes closed, and lips pursed together as he sings. (Photo by David Fenton/Getty Images) -
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – APRIL 01: Rex Allen, Jr. performs on stage at the Country Music Festival held at Wembley Arena, London in April 1986. (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns) -
Don Henley on 7/3/85 in Chicago, Il. (Photo by Paul Natkin/WireImage) -
SANTA BARBARA, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 15: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame musician Lindsey Buckingham, former member of Fleetwood Mac, performs onstage at the Lobero Theatre on April 15, 2022 in Santa Barbara, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)