Released this week, ?Jimi: All is By My Side? stars Outkast?s Andre Benjamin as world-renowned, 60?s American guitarist Jimi Hendrix. Written and directed by the talented John Ridley, who wrote the screenplay for the Academy award-winning film 12 Years a Slave, ?Jimi,? chronicles one year of Hendrix?s life, the year he moved from New York as a session guitarist and back-up musician to London where he steps into his solo act and later becomes a reigning rock god.
Though the film only focuses on Hendrix?s life from 1966 to 1967, there?s so much more to his storied life that began in 1942 and ended tragically in 1970. One documentary that aired on PBS last year went into great detail to showcase many of Hendrix?s popular performances, including the iconic Star-Spangled Banner performance at the Woodstock Festival in 1969, career highlights, and life challenges. Known for his love of rock and roll and electric blues, Hendrix?s studio albums include Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold as Love and Electric Ladyland.?
Born in Seattle, Washington, Hendrix was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and was ranked by Rolling Stone as the greatest guitarist of all time.?
For Benjamin?s part, though he?s made small appearances in a number of other films, he nails it in this leading role.
Read more at Los Angeles Times.
