Charles R. Cross

Disclaimer: I am not a Jimi Hendrix fan. I know, and like, the same 4 songs that everyone knows, and I'd probably recognize him on a few others, but I don't own or go out of my way to listen to any of them. I was still watching Sesame Street and singing along with Mr. Rogers during the few short years that he rose to stardom, transformed rock music, then died choking on his own vomit in a near-stranger's bed.

I chose this biography because I was curious about the life and career of a talented and famously tragic artist, and because it was conveniently available on loan from the library. It's obviously well researched and well written. The author presents the facts and personal accounts of Hendrix's life without judgement or bias, other than to provide some analysis on the reliability of the sources. While respectful of the man's talent and accomplishments and sensitive to challenges he faced, Cross doesn't come across as a fanboy or try to gloss over the more unsavory aspects of the man's character and choices.

Lloyd James provides a solid performance on the narration.… (más)