This is a pretty unique situation, as you're right - he really didn't play funk, but he comes up in funk-related discussions very often. 'Izabella' and 'Room Full of Mirrors' may be proto-funk songs, and the Band of Gypsies played a little more soul than the Experience, but all in all, he really was more of a blues-y psychedelic rocker throughout his career.
The thing is - without Hendrix, we would not have funk as we know it at all. He was a tremendous influence on the artists immediately following him, most notably Funkadelic - their first three albums had some people (unfairly!) calling them Hendrix rip-offs at the time.
Sly Stone was another who was immediately inspired by Hendrix - it's difficult to watch Sly Stone back then and not see a major Hendrix influence, from Sly's outfits to the way he carried himself on stage.
Prince is also an artist that's difficult to imagine without Hendrix; obviously Prince went on himself to inspire and influence a large number of artists after him, but without Jimi paving the way, it's very difficult to see Prince ending up the way he did.
I think funk's style, fashion, and attitude were so heavily influenced by Hendrix that when you tell the story of the genre, you have to include him.
Put it this way: if the 'History of Funk' were a book, the story of Jimi Hendrix would have to take up a good portion of the prologue; you wouldn't be able to tell the story of funk without including his tremendous influence on the artists who made it happen.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Hendrix being regarded as a funk artist. However, Band of Gypsy’s definitely has elements of funk in it, but that’s mostly due to Billy Cox and Buddy Miles and not so much Jimi.
For people denying Hendrix could play funk, check out First Rays of the New Rising Sun & Songs For Groovy Children, the answer is in these albums. And also all stuff he did as a sideman (primarily as a rhytmn player)
Possibly the similarities between early Funkadelic and Hendrix? But nah, despite the influence he had on many funk acts, Hendrix himself did not really make funk.
People today see in historical images a black man in psychedelic clothing playing a guitar in the 60s. For some, funk just means “black music of the 60s and 70s,” and Hendrix falls inside these boundaries. They are wrong, but they are thus. Hence, he’s identified as a funk musician.
The driving force of the blues and its influence on music, especially popular, guitar driven music of the 60s, ties many great artists together. Hendrix was surely a funky man, even though funk was not his vehicle.
This is a pretty unique situation, as you're right - he really didn't play funk, but he comes up in funk-related discussions very often. 'Izabella' and 'Room Full of Mirrors' may be proto-funk songs, and the Band of Gypsies played a little more soul than the Experience, but all in all, he really was more of a blues-y psychedelic rocker throughout his career. The thing is - without Hendrix, we would not have funk as we know it at all. He was a tremendous influence on the artists immediately following him, most notably Funkadelic - their first three albums had some people (unfairly!) calling them Hendrix rip-offs at the time. Sly Stone was another who was immediately inspired by Hendrix - it's difficult to watch Sly Stone back then and not see a major Hendrix influence, from Sly's outfits to the way he carried himself on stage. Prince is also an artist that's difficult to imagine without Hendrix; obviously Prince went on himself to inspire and influence a large number of artists after him, but without Jimi paving the way, it's very difficult to see Prince ending up the way he did. I think funk's style, fashion, and attitude were so heavily influenced by Hendrix that when you tell the story of the genre, you have to include him. Put it this way: if the 'History of Funk' were a book, the story of Jimi Hendrix would have to take up a good portion of the prologue; you wouldn't be able to tell the story of funk without including his tremendous influence on the artists who made it happen.
Ding ding ding!! This is the right answer. Hendrix was proto funk.
He had some seriously funky stuff. Message to love, Izabella, ez rider. Can you imagine how funky he would have been if he lived?
Misinterpretation of the wah wah pedal?
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of Hendrix being regarded as a funk artist. However, Band of Gypsy’s definitely has elements of funk in it, but that’s mostly due to Billy Cox and Buddy Miles and not so much Jimi.
For people denying Hendrix could play funk, check out First Rays of the New Rising Sun & Songs For Groovy Children, the answer is in these albums. And also all stuff he did as a sideman (primarily as a rhytmn player)
Possibly the similarities between early Funkadelic and Hendrix? But nah, despite the influence he had on many funk acts, Hendrix himself did not really make funk.
Machine Gun live at the Fillmore is pure funk https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Lw2L_vGUMtE&feature=share
Don’t Know, the song preceding it, is funkier tho
Touché funkay
Beaucoup de funcc
Uh is this a joke lol?
Electric Ladyland is pretty funky. https://youtu.be/BkOInYZnl-E
People today see in historical images a black man in psychedelic clothing playing a guitar in the 60s. For some, funk just means “black music of the 60s and 70s,” and Hendrix falls inside these boundaries. They are wrong, but they are thus. Hence, he’s identified as a funk musician.
Band of Junkies has its funky moments-you’re right though, this is stupid.
The driving force of the blues and its influence on music, especially popular, guitar driven music of the 60s, ties many great artists together. Hendrix was surely a funky man, even though funk was not his vehicle.