Now, so many millions of words have been written and spoken about him since that we felt it was daft for us to waffle on. So, instead, why not leave your comments on the man and his music below. A suite dedicated to the memory of guitar legend Jimi Hendrix has today been officially launched at Guoman's stylish The Cumberland hotel ' his last known address.
The opening ' just one day before the 40th anniversary of the rock star's tragic death ' commemorates the hotel's long association with Hendrix. He was a regular visitor to the property, just off Park Lane, during his frequent trips to London and held a fifth floor suite here during September 1970.
Designed in homage to the wayward star's unique psychedelic style, the room will be available for guests to book and experience from September 20. Until then, it will play a central part in a weekend tribute to Hendrix at the hotel, whereby fans and members of the general public will be welcomed to remember Hendrix and preview the room on the anniversary date*, Saturday September 18th.
Over the anniversary, the hotel will also double as the temporary home to the Jimi Hendrix waxwork model, on loan from Madame Tussaud's in London. Meanwhile, the lobby will host limited edition archival photographs of Hendrix by celebrated rock photographer Barrie Wentzell taken during the 1960s.
In addition, the hotel will be displaying a hand-bound book containing over 300 images of Hendrix. The book 'Classic Hendrix' by Genesis Publications is available to browse and purchase.
Former NME features editor Keith Altham ' who conducted the last ever interview with Hendrix at The Cumberland ' has acted as consultant during the creation of the Hendrix Suite. Guests will be able to listen to the original uncut audio tape of that interview during their stay.
Conceived by interior designer Mary Gannon and her senior associate Cynthia Garcia, The Cumberland's Hendrix Suite is not-to-be-missed for any Hendrix fan or design aficionado. The room includes exquisite statement lighting, flamboyant colours and psychedelic stylised patterns, as well as authentic fabrics uncovered in vintage fairs and from specialist collectors.
One wall features framed originals of NME covers from the 1960s featuring the rock legend, while its centrepiece is a flaming three-metre Hendrix mural by renowned graphic designer Andie Airfix, whose previous works include designs for Paul McCartney, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. Airfix drew his inspiration from Hendrix's infamous 'guitar flambé' show finale.
Altham explained; ' think he [Hendrix] would have loved the idea of a special room designed in a style which is harmonised to his music and memory and where others might gain inspiration from his work or will simply relax and enjoy the music made by the greatest rock guitarist of all time.'
Those looking for an unrivalled Hendrix 'Experience' can check into The Cumberland's 'Hendrix' Suite from September 20th 2010.
The hotel is also working in partnership with The Jimi Hendrix Foundation, the official not-for-profit organisation set up in honour of the iconic musician to provide deprived children with access to musical instruments or music lessons. Guoman Hotels will support the work of the Foundation by donating a £10 sum from every night's stay in the Suite for the year.
*All previews of the Hendrix Suite on Saturday 18th September should be booked via the concierge desk in the hotel's lobby.
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