Bleeding Heart

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying "Bleeding Heart" by Jimi Hendrix, a track that pulses with raw blues energy, perfect for the Zoo Freaks tuning in. This song, a cover of Elmore James’ 1961 classic, was recorded by Hendrix in various forms, but the version released as a single from the 2010 posthumous album Valleys of Neptune is a standout. One spirited recording, laid down on May 21, 1969, at the Record Plant in New York City, was labeled “Peoples, Peoples” on the tape box, hinting at Hendrix’s playful studio vibe. As posted on X, this session captured Hendrix’s deep connection to the blues, with engineer Eddie Kramer noting the track’s special place in the studio’s creative output.

Another fascinating tidbit comes from a 1968 jam session at The Scene Club in New York, where Hendrix, joined by The Doors’ Jim Morrison, recorded a raw, lo-fi version of "Bleeding Heart". This session, later released on albums like Bleeding Heart, was marred by Morrison’s drunken antics, with critics describing his performance as an “obscenity-spewing” disruption. Despite the chaos, the recording remains a unique snapshot of two ‘60s icons colliding, as noted in Wikipedia. Hendrix’s guitar, tuned down to D tuning, added a distinctive edge, showcasing his experimental flair even in informal settings.

A later recording of "Bleeding Heart" from March 24, 1970, at the Record Plant, featured bassist Billy Cox and drummer Steve Angel, with the track later polished at Electric Lady Studios. A post on X highlights how Mitch Mitchell overdubbed new drum parts, enhancing the song’s dynamic feel. Released on South Saturn Delta, this version underscores Hendrix’s ability to reimagine blues standards with a psychedelic twist, stretching boundaries as studio engineer Eddie Kramer told The Globe and Mail in 2010.

Jimi Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, was a self-taught guitarist whose innovative style redefined rock music. Inspired by blues legends like Muddy Waters and B.B. King, as well as early rockers like Chuck Berry, Hendrix picked up the guitar at age 15, strumming a one-string ukulele his father gave him after finding him mimicking a guitar with a broom. By the early 1960s, after a brief stint in the U.S. Army, he was gigging on the Chitlin’ Circuit, backing artists like Little Richard and the Isley Brothers. His big break came in 1966 when Chas Chandler, former bassist of The Animals, spotted him playing as Jimmy James and the Blue Flames in New York’s Cafe Wha?. Chandler whisked him to London, renamed him Jimi, and formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience with drummer Mitch Mitchell and bassist Noel Redding.

Hendrix’s meteoric rise followed the 1966 release of “Hey Joe,” which hit the UK Top Ten, and the 1967 album Are You Experienced, a psychedelic masterpiece. His incendiary performance at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, where he famously set his guitar ablaze, cemented his legend. Over his four-year mainstream career, Hendrix’s fusion of blues, rock, soul, and avant-garde sounds, coupled with his charismatic stage presence, made him a cultural icon, as detailed on Britannica. His influence endures, inspiring everyone from grunge to hip-hop artists.

Fans can dive deeper into Hendrix’s world through his official website, which offers news, music, and videos. Stay connected on social media via his Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where updates and rare insights are shared regularly. For community vibes, check out the r/jimihendrix subreddit, a hub for fans to discuss his life and work, or join The Jimi Hendrix Appreciation Society on Facebook, where devotees share stories and celebrate his legacy.