Jim Hendrix, the legendary American guitarist, is known to have lived in London during the late 1960s. He moved to London in September 1966 and stayed till his untimely death in September 1970. During his time in London, he lived in several places, each with its own story and significance.
Brook Street
One of the places where Hendrix lived in London was an apartment at 23 Brook Street, Mayfair. He moved into this apartment in July 1968 with his then-girlfriend Kathy Etchingham. The apartment was located on the upper floors of a Georgian townhouse that had been converted into apartments.
The apartment at Brook Street is significant as it was where Hendrix wrote some of his most iconic songs including “Purple Haze,” “The Wind Cries Mary,” and “Foxy Lady.”
Cumberland Hotel
Another place where Hendrix stayed during his time in London was the Cumberland Hotel on Oxford Street. He stayed here for a brief period in early 1969 while waiting for his new apartment to become available.
The Cumberland Hotel was a popular spot for musicians and artists during the 1960s and was known for its quirky decor. Hendrix’s room had a circular bed and walls decorated with psychedelic patterns.
Upper Berkeley Street
In early 1969, Hendrix moved into an apartment at Upper Berkeley Street in Marylebone. This apartment was owned by Ringo Starr of The Beatles who had rented it out to Jimi.
The apartment at Upper Berkeley Street is significant as it was where Hendrix recorded some of his final recordings before his death. He had set up a recording studio in the basement of the apartment building and had been working on new material.
Samarkand Hotel
One of the last places where Hendrix stayed in London was the Samarkand Hotel in Notting Hill. He moved here in August 1970, just a few weeks before his death.
The Samarkand Hotel was known for its bohemian vibe and had been a popular spot for artists and musicians during the 1960s. Hendrix’s room had a large mural painted on the wall and was decorated with Moroccan-style furnishings.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, Jimi Hendrix lived in several places during his time in London, each with its own story and significance. These places include Brook Street, Cumberland Hotel, Upper Berkeley Street, and Samarkand Hotel. These places serve as a reminder of the impact that Hendrix had on music and culture during his short but influential life.