This Month in 1962, Jimi Hendrix Was Discharged from The Army for “Unsuitability”

Before Jimi Hendrix performed the most infamous rendition of the National Anthem at Woodstock in 1969, he was a military brat. Yes, the ever-so rebellious, controversial, and bohemian Jimi Hendrix was a clean-cut member of the United States Army. However, his career in the army, unsurprisingly, didn’t last all that long. As a matter of fact, today, July 2, 1962, Jimi Hendrix was discharged from the military.

Videos by American Songwriter

While growing up in Seattle, Jimi Hendrix was a troubled teen who often found himself in criminal situations. As a teenager, the last criminal act he performed was stealing a car. Subsequently, he went to court, and the public defender made a plea deal that allowed Hendrix to decide between prison time and military service. Hendrix chose to serve, and after that decision, he was shipped off to California for basic training.

Once he completed basic training, Hendrix was then sent to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, in 1961. Upon arrival, Hendrix started to train to become part of the 101st Airborne. He also completed that training, and reportedly, wasn’t so disenchanted with being a part of the United States Army. However, as his service continued, that perspective changed. Consequently, Hendrix needed out, and he thought of a lie that would allow him to be legally discharged.

The Fabrication Jimi Hendrix Created To Get Out of His Service

By the summer of 1962, Jimi Hendrix had only served about a year of his mandated three-year enlistment. How he got out of the other two years was by lying about his sexuality. This was 1962, so, of course, the United States Army condemned homosexuality. That being so, Hendrix used this judgment as an opportunity, and he executed it flawlessly.

As the legend goes, when Hendrix underwent a comprehensive medical examination, he told the physician that he was gay. In the report, the physician reportedly wrote that Jimi Hendrix should be discharged due to his “homosexual tendencies,” per History Net. Well, Jimi Hendrix got his wish granted, as the United States Army discharged Jimi Hendrix for “Unsuitability” on July 2, 1962.

Following this discharge, Hendrix would go on to pursue his rock ‘n’ roll career full-time. Specifically, after his departure from the army, Hendrix moved to Tennessee and joined the Chitlin’ Circuit, which backed infamous artists such as Little Richard and the Isley Brothers. After that, well, we all know what happened after that. The world was gifted one of the greatest guitarists of all time.

Photo by Andre Csillag/Shutterstock