Red House (Live 1969 / Wildcard Remaster)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the electrifying "Red House (Live 1969 / Wildcard Remaster)" by Jimi Hendrix from the Woodstock DVD, and the Zoo Freaks are in for a treat with this blues masterpiece. This performance, captured at the iconic Woodstock Festival on August 18, 1969, showcases Hendrix’s raw genius, stretching the song to over five minutes of soulful improvisation. Unlike the studio version, this live rendition features Hendrix with his expanded "Gypsy Sun and Rainbows" lineup, including rhythm guitarist Larry Lee, whose solo on "Red House" was notably edited in some releases. Fans on Reddit have raved about the emotional depth of this version, with one user on the r/jimihendrix subreddit describing it as a moment where “you can see him feel the music.” The song’s Woodstock performance didn’t make the 1970 Woodstock film or soundtrack, making its inclusion on the Woodstock DVD a treasure for fans. A post from the official @JimiHendrix X account highlights another 1969 live version from the San Diego Sports Arena as “arguably Jimi’s most spectacular recorded version,” showing how each live take of "Red House" brought new fire.

Another layer to "Red House" comes from its lore. According to Hendrix: Setting the Record Straight, Jimi crafted the song in a New York apartment adorned entirely in red, sparking the lyrical idea. Some fans speculate it references a red-painted house in Seattle tied to his high school girlfriend, Betty Jean Morgan, whose sister Maddy inspired the song’s humorous closing line about moving on to “her sister.” On Facebook, fans in groups like Jimi Hendrix Fans share stories of how the song’s raw blues roots, influenced by legends like Muddy Waters and B.B. King, resonate deeply. A 2023 X post from @JimiHendrix celebrated a Dallas 1968 performance of "Red House," noting Hendrix’s love for the blues. The song’s structure, built on a 12-bar blues in B major (played in Bb due to Hendrix’s half-step-down tuning), gave him room to weave intricate solos, as noted on the fan-run Jimi Hendrix Wiki. Critics like Tom Wheeler have praised how Hendrix never played it the same way twice, making each live version, like the Woodstock one, a unique journey.

Jimi Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, began his musical path at 15 when he taught himself guitar on a battered acoustic. By 1961, he enlisted in the U.S. Army but was discharged a year later, freeing him to chase music. He honed his craft in Nashville and on the Chitlin’ Circuit, backing acts like the Isley Brothers and Little Richard. His big break came in 1966 when Chas Chandler of The Animals spotted him in New York and whisked him to London. There, Hendrix formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience with Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell, exploding onto the scene with hits like “Hey Joe” and “Purple Haze.” His 1967 Monterey Pop Festival performance, where he famously set his guitar ablaze, cemented his U.S. fame. By 1969, when he played Woodstock, Hendrix was the world’s highest-paid rock star, headlining festivals and pushing boundaries with albums like Electric Ladyland. His innovative guitar techniques and fusion of blues, rock, and psychedelia made him a legend, as detailed on his official site, jimihendrix.com.

Hendrix’s legacy thrives online. His official website offers discographies, news, and exclusive releases, while his Facebook page shares vintage photos and concert clips, engaging over a million followers. On Instagram, the @jimihendrix account posts vibrant visuals of his performances and gear, capturing his colorful spirit. The @JimiHendrix X account keeps fans updated with anniversary posts and remastered tracks, like the 2025 Los Angeles Forum concert release. Fan communities flourish, too, with the Jimi Hendrix Fans Facebook group fostering discussions among thousands of devotees. The Jimi Hendrix Wiki is a fan-driven hub for detailed song histories and trivia, while sites like Veojam share performance videos, including Woodstock’s "Red House." These platforms keep Hendrix’s spirit alive for Zoo Freaks and beyond.