Life Story on Jimi Hendrix

Who was the greatest rock and roll guitarist ever? Always and forever the name of Jimi Hendrix will be nominated answering that question. A vastly talented musician and instrumental technician, the legendary Hendrix combined the Blues, Soul, R&B and Rock & Roll into an innovative and mold breaking style. Coupled with flamboyant stage antics and uncharted mixing arrangements, Hendrix became an international, Rock & Roll and pop culture star. Unable to read music, and largely self taught, Jimi became a virtuoso who could play, compose and introduce spell-binding magic that will rock in musical posterity. The life story on Jimi Hendrix played like the comet he was; flashing across the heavens, burning hot, intense and bright - attracting attention, adulation, curiosity, and then suddenly flaming out.
Johnny Allen Hendrix was born in 1942 in Seattle, Washington; the son of seventeen year old Lucille Jeter and Army soldier James Allen Hendrix. Jimi's early childhood was marked by poverty and personal tragedies. Of the five Hendrix siblings, three were given up to state custody due to physical disabilities and blindness. Jimi became a shy and reserved boy, isolated and withdrawn. But he loved music and would strum a broomstick as if it were a guitar.
When Jimi was 15 his mother died and he bounced between relatives for a time. The sensitive boy was deeply affected and carried within him a burden of sadness, abandonment and neglect. Sensing his son's detachment and loneliness, Jimi's father paid five bucks for a used acoustic guitar to replace a one-string ukulele Jimi had bonded with for a number of years. At age 17, with his talent blossoming, Jimi received his first electric guitar and thereafter the life story on Jimi Hendricks changed forever,
Jimi began his formal musical career playing with local Seattle area bands, some paying gigs, some not. He was fired more than once for over-the-top stage stunts, but his talent was without question and he played left-handed, behind his back and with his teeth.
Still in high school, Jimi was an indifferent student who curiously received an "F" in music. He was eventually expelled for attendance and discipline problems and soon found himself in minor trouble with the law. The solution; Hendrix was ordered to enlist in the Army. But he was a poor soldier and was discharged within a year.
After his Army stint, Hendrix went on the road playing small towns, honky-tonks, warm-up and background for larger, better known acts. Ever expanding, Jimi was soon playing with notable acts such as the Isley Brothers, Ike and Tina Turner and Little Richard.
With his star rising and reputation growing, he traveled to London where he was introduced to the British rock scene. With the help of a few English musical luminaries, Hendrix formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience, a band that would soon hit the top of the charts and play to sellout crowds. Their first album, Are You Experienced, became a mega-seller, second only to the Beatles epic Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band.
Back in the United States, The Experience, now a rock and roll wonder very much in demand, played the Monterey Pop Festival, Fillmore East, and headlined venues coast to coast. Hendrix's fame grew exponentially and in the "sex, drugs, and rock and roll", culture of the times, he was an accomplished practitioner, or if you like - victim.
Legal and personal entanglements mounted including a drug possession arrest and contractual disputes. During this time of high flying success and excess, The Experience broke up. Other notable musicians joined Jimi and as his schedule excelled and his popularity peaked, so did his use of drugs and alcohol, sometimes affecting his work on stage and in the studio.
Hendrix's signature performance was at the famous, iconic, epic, historically footnoted Woodstock Musical Festival in August of 1969. Jimi and his group played a two-hour set, climaxing in Hendrix's solo rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, which has become a representation and marquee of the turbulent times of the 1960's.
Hendrix played his last concert in the contiguous United States in August, 1970 at Seattle's Sick,s Stadium, blocks from his childhood home. He didn't like the area or his memories growing up and he cursed the rain and played badly. He left abruptly, did a show in Hawaii and returned to England. The next time he would be on American soil would be for his funeral. The life story on Jimi Hendrix was over.
Jimi died September 18, 1970 at the age of 27 in the London flat of friend Monika Danneman after drinking heavily and taking a handful of sleeping pills. His sudden, shocking demise engendered speculation and innuendo. Some rumors claimed suicide, others hinted at murder, still others espoused that he was not dead at all, that reports of his death were only a publicity stunt.
The life story on Jimi Hendrix will be memorialized every time one of his songs is played, replayed, copied, re-copied, stolen or new renditions attempted. There was only one Hendrix and though his legacy may be clouded by his risky, showman's lifestyle, he was truly a man for his times. After all, Jimi was one of the first black Rock and Rollers to capture a predominately white audience while incorporating, mixing, and modifying culturally identifiable genres of American Music and turning out his own unique sound.

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Legendary Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson was born in Indiana, USA on 29th August, 1958. This American superstar entertained the audiences for many decades. Michael was a musical prodigy, with exceptional singing and dancing talent. Single sequined white glove, moonwalk, high pitched voice, and white socks with black shoes became the trade mark of Michael Jackson. He was undoubtedly one of the most popular and successful pop stars of 80s. With stunning musical versatility, eye-popping dance moves and tons of sheer star power, he dominated the charts for many years. Album Thriller was his best-known accomplishments, and was largest-selling album of all times.
Michael Jackson had been influenced by the work of musicians like James Brown, Little Richards, Diana Ross, Gene Kelly, David Ruffin, Sammy Davis and Bees Gees. He also admired the performances by English music hall tradition such as Charlie Chaplin and Benny Hill.
Life of Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson started his career early, along with his elder brothers, and soon emerged as lead vocalist of the group. He easily impressed audiences with the range and depth of his emotions. His career progressed very gradually, and he was the first black artist who found the stardom on MTV.
Michael Jackson lived a lonely and sad life, and he always felt that no one is able to understand him. He had a tough childhood, and felt that his father was always very stern and hard who would beat him up often prior to stage performances. He entered entertainment industry when he was six years old, and regretted the fact that he could never enjoy fun things that kids of his age do, such as parties, sleepover, trick-or-treat and so on. He always longed for true friends, and often wandered on the streets in the night, looking for someone to talk to. He confessed to crying many times in the privacy of his house. Michael Jackson loved children, and spent almost all his life helping million of children all across the globe. However, he always felt that media exploited his concern for children, and made him the vulnerable target.
Despite all his accomplishments, media always focused on his eccentricities, and portrayed him as the molester. In 1993, he was accused of molesting a teenager boy. Though he denied the charges and tried the out-of-court settlement, all his attempts failed to restore his image. In 1994, he married Lisa Presley, the daughter of King Elvis Presley. Many people believed that it was just a show by Jackson to end the accusations of him being gay.
Towards the end of his life, Michael Jackson had become the favorite punch line for media, and was always surrounded by troubles. On June 25th, 2009, Michael Jackson collapsed due to cardiac arrest, and was rushed to UCLA medical center. There, he was pronounced dead at the age of 50. At that time, he was rehearsing and training for the upcoming comeback set for final performances. Police decided to treat his death as homicide after they found several drugs in his body. To date, police is conducting investigations on Conrad Murray, Jackson's personal doctor. One of the greatest music heroes of the century had to face a very unfortunate and untimely death. At the time of his death, he was known more for his wild spending, erratic behavior and several plastic surgeries, rather than for his music.
Michael Jackson was a great artist, and will always live in the hearts of his million fans who have undying love for him.

Michael Jackson has been on my mind since his death Thursday, June 25, 2009. Though he wasn't a guitar player, I believe the impact he made on the music scene warrants respect from those of us who share a similar passion. His legacy is long and much can be learned from the life of this man who came to be known as the "King of Pop."
Michael Jackson rose to fame from the obscurity of a small Indiana town to become the most recognized pop star the world has ever seen. This in itself demonstrates how others in like circumstances can do the same. You do not need to be rich or well connected to be successful in the music industry, but you do need to work hard and develop your talent. Michael showed us how to do that.
Though I was never a big fan personally, I can still remember my first impression when I saw Michael perform with his brothers, The Jackson Five, on TV. He was so cute and looked like he was only about ten years old! It was amazing how he could sing and dance so freely and effortlessly. I couldn't take my eyes off him. He was definitely the star of the show and stole many hearts that night.
Who would have known back then that one day he would create an album called "Thriller" that would become the biggest-selling record of all time? Certainly not me. But that's exactly what he did. How did he do it? Well, I think there are several things that factored into his becoming such a huge success...

• First and foremost was the fact that Michael Jackson possessed an incredible musical gift.
• He followed the direction of his father/manager when he was starting out.
• He was not afraid to step out of his comfort zone later, go solo and make a new direction for himself musically.
• He explored creative ideas and took advantage of the media tools he had available to him.
• He worked hard to perfect his skills.
• He allowed others in the music industry to offer him their professional expertise and advice.
• He learned how to promote himself and create an image the public would follow.

But as with so many others in the music business, Michael's life began to suffer under the strain of constant media attention and ended unexpectedly in a sudden tragedy. Unexpected, that is, to most of us. But suspicion is rising as to his apparent prescription drug abuse, as well as other allegations. Apparently he had once expressed his own concern that he might die like Elvis. Well, it now looks like there may have been some basis to his fear.
Which points to one final lesson we can glean from the life of Michael Jackson and others who find themselves in the throws of fame and fortune. That is, the importance of considering the cost of publicity and subsequent loss of personal privacy. As you pursue your indie artist dreams, try to be proactive now, by deciding how you will handle things in the eventuality that success should come your way.
Too many talented artists and musicians have died as a result of drug abuse associated with the world of music and rock and roll... Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, Kurt Corbain, Michael Jackson... to name a few. Why not really be different and take a stand for something positive? Be a survivor, instead of a victim. Your musical influence might just last a bit longer if you do.

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Rolling Stones Albums

Few bands can claim immortal popularity. The Rolling Stones albums are proof however that this band deserves to live forever in its music. The group's music has been alive for close to five decades, earning for the group a whopping more than 200 million album sales, numerous recognitions and repeated inductions in various halls of fame and all time lists.
The English group's roots go way back in 1962 when long time friends Mick Jagger and Keith Richards started playing for a club as the Rollin' Stones. The initial line up was completed by guitarist Brian Jones, pianist Ian Stewart, bassist Mick Taylor and drummer Tony Chapman. Drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Bill Wyman joined the band at a later date. Jones had been credited as band leader and the originator of the group's first name. Obviously though, fans of Rolling Stones CDs will no doubt say that Jagger has since eclipsed Jones in popularity.
From their initial stint as a club act, the group signed a deal with Decca records in 1963. Because Decca made the mistake of turning down the Beatles, the deal set before the group was said to have been more generous than usual, giving them high royalty rates, artistic control and choice of material for recording. The band's first single was released in the same year but this was to be the start of brief tough times for the boys. The quality of songs produced from this point on had little originality and appeal and even the members' appearances had been openly criticized.
By 1964, the group's status started to pick up more steam as their renditions of popular classics like Little Red Rooster and It's All Over Now started to climb the charts. This was an early indication that a wider acceptance for original material in Rolling Stones albums would be favorably met. The group went on to perform chart topping hits The Last Time, Satsifaction, Paint it Black, Mother's Little Helper, Ruby Tuesday and Midnight Rambler.
At the beginning of the 70s the band had already established a solid foothold in the music scene. They were so entrenched in popular culture that by the time their contract with Decca expired, they were able to stay solid under their own record label. This was not the only major shift in this decade. The group eventually left England and set up base in France.
By the 1980s the group had reached its career peak. Although previous years had been peppered by band members leaving, member deaths, personal rifts and drug use charges, it was in the 80s when more significant conflict began. Key members Jagger and Richards began to clash head to head. It was only in 1989 after the group's induction into the American Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that the two reconciled for a new album.
In 1992, individual band members followed Jagger's lead and started on individual career moves of their own. Although they continued to make music together, the group went through a seven year period without putting up new material. It was only in 2005 that A Bigger Bang was released.
Despite the band's age and dated musical age, there is simply no killing the sales of Rolling Stone CDs. The group is the only one to date that can still claim a top chart position for classic re issues.

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