A Rep Reading

An unlikely subject for a picture book for younger children, but one that clearly celebrates nurturing creativity in art and music. The early life of Jimmy Hendrix, who grew up to be Jimi Hendrix, the widely regarded "greatest electric guitarist of all time". What I didn't know about Jimi Hendrix was that he was an artist early on, and his love of the guitar sound that is most identifiable of his playing, were his efforts to use his guitar to create new worlds with the "colors of sounds". In the note "More about Jimi Hendrix" at the back of the book, the author talks about Jimi's belief that music was a powerful healing force, and that Jimi often spoke about the concept of the "Electric Church". Interestingly, the author's note deals directly with Jimi's accidental early death at 27, in an honest assessment of the drug use of the era in the context of the times. Very helpful information about addiction as a disease, with websites and sources for knowledge and help when dealing with addictions. There is also an illustrator's note, explaining the process in determining the art to accompany the story. Finally, other sources and resources for further reading, and a selected discography for further listening.