James Marshall “Jimi” Hendrix (born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 â September 18, 1970) was an American musician, singer, and songwriter. Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music, and one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as “arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music”.
In the early 1960s Hendrix was a high school dropout, and he faced charges from law enforcement regarding stolen cars. Hendrix was given a choice, facing either prison or joining the military. To the surprise of his family, he decided to enlist in the U.S. Army, which he did on May 31, 1961, at 19.
He completed eight weeks of basic training at Fort Ord, California, and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division, where he was stationed in Fort Campbell, Kentucky, arriving in November of that year.
In 1962 Hendrixâs platoon sergeant, James C. Spears, filed a report in which he stated: âHe has no interest whatsoever in the Army ⦠It is my opinion that Private Hendrix will never come up to the standards required of a soldier. I feel that the military service will benefit if he is discharged as soon as possible.â
In 1963, his commanding officer, Captain Gilbert Batchman had had enough of Hendrix, although he was signed up for three years of service. He described the Hendrix issue as a conflict that was judged not treatable by hospitalization or counseling. An ankle injury during a parachute jump hastened Hendrixâs departure from active duty with an honorable discharge. Of course, he was more than happy to take it.
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