Jimi Hendrix: Greatest American Musician?

[K.C.]

I say yes.

Obviously, his guitar playing overshadows everything, but he wrote some ridiculous good songs.

And easily three of the greatest American albums ever produced with Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold As Love, and Electric Ladyland.

There's not really a hole in any of them.

And lastly, I've just never heard a guy create a song, tear it down, and build it back up as well as he did.

Obviously Robert Johnson is close in terms of musical genius. Dylan's probably the greatest American songwriter. But Hendrix was the total package.

I've been re-listening to the albums since I picked up all the re-releases when they came out a couple weeks ago and there will probably be nobody like the guy ever again.

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[booster11373]

What about Irving Berlin? People of which I am often included always forget any music that came before Rock, just saying

[K.C.]

What about Irving Berlin? People of which I am often included always forget any music that came before Rock, just saying

Definitely one of the greatest songwriters ever.

Same with Gershwin.

I think the way I'm going to define musician, performance is a part of it, and that's where it gets sketchy with them because they wrote songs more than performed.

[TeeBone]

Say what you will about the aging form of Dylan and his awkward vocal stylings. His body of work coupled with the overwhelming influence he had on so many musicians since his arrival, makes me lean a little more towards favoring him above all others. His lyrics, the backing bands he played with, his message...Its all resplendent and timeless. Listen to the album, 'Almost Went To See Elvis,' and you will know exactly what I am talking about.

Jimi was a bad-ass guitarist/Lyricist that died way too young. Another sad participant in the 27 year old club.

I love Hendrix and, Dolly Dagger might be the coolest song I have ever heard...

But, Dylan will always be my favorite American Musician. Jimi comes in a close second with Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown tied in third place with Chet Atkins.

[badorties]

And lastly, I've just never heard a guy create a song, tear it down, and build it back up as well as he did.

the bebop style is based on taking known standards and re-struturing them

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duke ellington, phillip glass & gershwin should probably be considered ... but regardless of skillsets, the ramones still rock my world and should be the gold standard for american pop

[StanUpshaw]

Lead Belly

or Bill Monroe

[Dude!]

damn, i'll sure put jimi
at or very near the top
i love him

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[hedges]

He shares the top of my list with some other amazing musicians. I can't say he is the greatest but he is one of the greatest, for sure.



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[furie]

i never really cared for Hendrix

[Dude!]

i never really cared for Hendrix

most disco-era divas don't