2013 U.S. Go Congress

“Excuse me, while I kiss the sky.” Who can forget those immortal words?

Widely recognized as one of the most creative and influential musicians of the 20th century, Jimi Hendrix pioneered the explosive possibilities of the electric guitar. Hendrix’s innovative style of combining fuzz, feedback and controlled distortion created a new musical form. Because he was unable to read or write music, it is nothing short of remarkable that Jimi Hendrix’s meteoric rise in the music took place in just four short years. His musical language continues to influence a host of modern musicians, from George Clinton to Miles Davis, and Steve Vai to Jonny Lang.

Jimi Hendrix, born Johnny Allen Hendrix at 10:15 a.m. on November 27, 1942, at Seattle’s King County Hospital, was later renamed James Marshall by his father, James “Al” Hendrix. Young Jimmy (as he was referred to at the time) took an interest in music, drawing influence from virtually every major artist at the time, including B.B. King, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Holly, and Robert Johnson. Entirely self-taught, Jimmy’s inability to read music made him concentrate even harder on the music he heard.

There is an urban legend that Jimi played gigs at the Blue Moon Tavern, which is a next door neighbor of the Seattle Go Center.

Directions:

From PLU, turn left onto Pacific Highway. Take the highway 512 exit toward Tacoma. Take the exit to I-5 north. Take the exit onto I-405 north. From I-405 Exit 4, turn RIGHT onto Ramp. Take Ramp (LEFT) onto SR-169 [SE Maple Valley Hwy]. Turn RIGHT (North) onto SR-900 [Sunset Blvd N]. Keep RIGHT onto Local road. Turn RIGHT (South-East) onto NE 3rd St. Road name changes to NE 4th St. Turn RIGHT (South) onto Monroe Ave NE 0.0 and you’ll be at the Greenwood Memorial Park.