The Jimi Hendrix Experience

In 1966, with the help of Chas Chandler, Hendrix formed his first band The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Hendrix played the guitar and was the lead vocalist. Mitch Mitchell played the drums. Noel Redding was the bassist and sung backup vocals until 1969 in which Billy Cox became the bassist when the band reformed in 1970.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience was one of the first bands to popularize the "power-trio" which is a band that embodies just guitar, bass, and drums. Having  a power-trio format gave each individual in the band more opportunities to emanate their unique talents with their instruments.

Hendrix became known for his unique guitar stunts and the group as a whole was known for their trend in psychedelic clothing and hairstyles.

The band became known in America after their performance in a major rock festival, the Monterey Pop Festival; soon after they went on the tour with the Monkees, but the tour didn't survive for long, at least for Jimi and his band-mates.

Hendrix recorded his three most successful albums with The Experience: "Are You Experienced," "Axis: Bold as Love," and "Electric Ladyland."

In 1969 the band broke up due to a number of reasons, one of which was Hendrix's new found love for drugs. 

After the band dispersed, Hendrix experimented with a few more bands, but none had the popularity in which The Experience had.

In 1970 the band reformed, with Billy Cox as the new bassist. 

While on tour in Europe, Hendrix died on September 18th, 1970. 

In 1992, The Experience was inducted into the rock hall of fame.