Jimi Hendrix's Musical and Comedic Influences at the Handel Hendrix House Museum
The Handel Hendrix House museum in London combines the former residences of legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix and 18th-century composer George Frideric Handel. Hendrix's part of the museum showcases his guitars, photographs, and remnants of his record collection, offering insight into his musical tastes during his time on Brook Street from 1968 to 1969. His collection included albums by artists like James Brown, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Howlin’ Wolf, and Bob Dylan.
According to Hendrix's former girlfriend, Kathy Etchingham, he was a true blues enthusiast who often listened to blues music at home. She mentioned that Hendrix particularly enjoyed Bob Dylan's 1967 album John Wesley Harding, which featured the original version of “All Along the Watchtower.” Surprisingly, Hendrix also had a fondness for stand-up comedy, with Bill Cosby's albums I Started Out as a Child and Revenge being his top picks. He would often play these for visitors and was known to imitate Cosby's routines.
In addition to Cosby's comedy albums, Hendrix owned recordings by British comedian David Frost, including some from the Frost Report series featuring John Cleese. He was also photographed with a copy of Lenny Bruce's 1966 album Lenny Bruce is Out Again. Given his eclectic taste, it's likely that Hendrix had other comedy records in his collection. It's even possible that he owned Bill Cosby's 1968 album Bill Cosby Sings Hooray for the Salvation Army Band!, which featured a track recorded to the beat of “Purple Haze.” Explore the musical and comedic influences of Jimi Hendrix at the Handel Hendrix House museum.