Crosstown Traffic

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some wild trivia about "Crosstown Traffic" by The Jimi Hendrix Experience from their 1968 album Electric Ladyland. One of the standout features of this track is Jimi Hendrix’s use of a makeshift kazoo, crafted from a comb and tissue paper, which he played alongside his searing guitar riffs. According to his friend Velvert Turner, as shared in the documentary At Last … the Beginning: The Making of Electric Ladyland, Hendrix couldn’t quite capture the sound he envisioned for the song. He spontaneously asked for a comb and some cellophane, creating a kazoo-like effect that mimicked the chaotic vibe of traffic. This bold move was typical of Hendrix’s fearless experimentation, blending blues, acid rock, and even a touch of psychedelic funk in this pulsating single that hit #52 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #37 in the UK.

Another juicy tidbit comes from the song’s lyrical metaphor, where Hendrix likens a hard-to-reach lover to a traffic jam, complete with sly sexual innuendos like “tire tracks all across your back.” Far Out Magazine notes that the song reflects the sexual liberation of the 1960s, with Hendrix playfully weaving witty lines to dodge censorship while delivering a raw, gritty anthem. The track also features backing vocals by Noel Redding and Dave Mason of Traffic, with Mason hitting the high notes on the word “traffic.” Interestingly, Hendrix wasn’t thrilled about the song being released as a single, as he told a Behind the Scenes video, feeling it disrupted the planned flow of Electric Ladyland. Yet, its infectious energy made it a fan favorite, covered by artists like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Living Colour, and even cited as an influence by R&B star Frank Ocean.

Now, let’s rewind to how Jimi Hendrix, the genius behind The Jimi Hendrix Experience, got his start. Born Johnny Allen Hendrix on November 27, 1942, in Seattle, Washington, he later became James Marshall Hendrix. His early life was marked by hardship, but music became his escape. Hendrix taught himself to play guitar as a teenager, inspired by blues legends like Muddy Waters and rock pioneers like Chuck Berry. After a brief stint in the U.S. Army, he honed his craft in the early 1960s as a session musician, backing artists like Little Richard and the Isley Brothers. In 1966, he moved to London, where manager Chas Chandler discovered him playing in a club. Chandler formed The Jimi Hendrix Experience with bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell, and their debut album Are You Experienced (1967) skyrocketed them to fame with hits like “Purple Haze.” Hendrix’s innovative guitar techniques, including feedback and distortion, redefined rock music, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into Hendrix’s world, check out his official website for news, music, and merch. Stay connected on social media through the official Jimi Hendrix Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts, where you’ll find updates and throwbacks like posts about Electric Ladyland’s 50th anniversary or rare demo recordings. Fans can also join vibrant communities on the Jimi Hendrix Fans Facebook group, a hub for sharing stories and memorabilia, or explore The Jimi Hendrix Wiki, a fan-driven site packed with detailed discographies and trivia. These platforms keep Hendrix’s spirit alive, perfect for any Zoo Crew listener craving more of his electric magic.