ON THIS DAY IN MUSIC HISTORY: December 26th 1966; Jimi Hendrix writes the lyrics to Purple Haze in his dressing room between performances at Londons Uppercrust Club. It was released on the album Are You Experienced? and peaked at No65 in US and No3 in the UK. Hendrix claimed this was inspired by a dream where he was walking under the sea. In the dream, he said a purple haze surrounded him, engulfed him and got him lost. It was a traumatic experience, but in his dream his faith in Jesus saved him. At one point, Hendrix wrote the chorus as Purple Haze, Jesus Saves, but decided against it. This song was written under the guidance of Hendrix manager, ex-Animals bassist Chas Chandler. They had just released Hendrix first single, a cover of Tim Roses Hey Joe and were looking for a follow up. Chandler was impressed when he first heard the riff, and inspired Jimi to finish writing the song. On the original recording, you hear the line up of the Experience with Noel Redding on bass and Mitch Mitchell on drums. On the day after Christmas in 1966 he wrote a lot more than what made it to the song. The track was developed at a press function that he attended at East Londons Upper Cut Club. Hendrix launched into the scorching riff in the clubs compact dressing room and every head turned. I said, write the rest of that, said Chandler. Thats the next single! It was premiered live on 8 January 1967, in Sheffield in the north of England. For one of the guitar tracks, Hendrix used a device called an Octavia, which could raise or lower the guitar by a full octave. This contains one of the most misheard lyrics ever, with Scuse me while I kiss the sky interpreted as Scuse me while I kiss this guy. Hendrix added to the confusion by sometimes singing it that way and pointing to one of his band members. Heres Hendrix performing Purple Haze in 1967 in the UK..... Enjoy!
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 18:45:06 +0000
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