Song for Jimi: The Story of Guitar Legend Jimi Hendrix
by Charles R Smith (Author) Edel Rodriguez (Illustrator)
Jimi Hendrix's talent was epic, and so is this fifty-six-page lyrical account of his life, with spectacular artwork by Edel Rodriguez.
Let me tell you a story, a story 'bout a boy, who became a man, a git-tar man, named Jimi.
From his turbulent childhood through his epical appearance at the Monterey and Woodstock festivals, Charles R. Smith Jr. covers it all in this rich and rhythmic account of a singular life, accompanied by the psychedelic splendor of Edel Rodriguez's acid-tinged artwork. Written as a series of verses beginning with intro and ending with outro, this unique mix of rhythm and rhyme captures the essence of rock icon Jimi Hendrix and his struggle to live life on his own terms.
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School Library Journal
Gr 2-6--This lengthy picture book bursts with psychedelic color and rhythmic verse. Smith focuses on Hendrix's childhood: his parents fighting, his mom's abandonment, his musical obsession, his progression from a broom to a one-string ukelele to a secondhand acoustic "git-tar" to an electric guitar. Five long verses, an outro, and an interlude describe Jimi's arc from birth to the success of the Jimi Hendrix Experience at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967, ending the bio-poem on an upbeat note. Free verse structured like one long song with repeating motifs is an effective choice for conveying Hendrix's creative and musical journey; the verses are full of onomatopoeia as Hendrix develops his unique guitar sounds. Rodriguez's art, created with oil-based woodblock on paper combined with digital media, uses variations of primary colors--turquoise, sunshine yellow, and red--with pops of pale green and saturated magenta. Music radiates from Jimi in swirls, rays, and zig-zags, and he is rendered in a different dynamic pose on each page. Readers familiar with the musician will learn something new, while those just learning of him may seek out his music. Back matter includes an author's note, time line, author's personal playlist, discography, and references. Along with fairly spelled-out domestic violence, the verse includes, "But buried deep beneath his beat-up family tree were roots made strong by the blood of Cherokee, warrior roots from his grandmother," a connotation that some may find offensive or which may need discussion or context. VERDICT For a straightforward narrative biography, look elsewhere, but those who enjoyed the style and rhythm of Chris Raschka's Charlie Parker Played Be-Bop and are ready for a more in-depth biography will find this a rich and rewarding read.--Jenny Arch, Lilly Lib., Florence, MA
Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.Publishers Weekly
Smith relays the musical ascent of "git-tar superstar" Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970)--from birth to the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival--evoking in each of five protracted verses, plus an outro and interlude, musical styles that the left-handed guitarist famously melded to create his sound. Following Hendrix through his difficult childhood, military service, and stints in Nashville, New York, and London, blocks of text emphasize the figure's complicated parental relationships, disinterest in conformity, and dedication to his craft. Digitally enhanced oil-based woodblock ink art centers images of Hendrix's face and form amid abstract, warm-hued backgrounds that recall band posters and psychedelia. Repeating references to the subject's Cherokee ancestry are limited to "warrior" stereotypes, and lengthy text matched with recurring imagery may limit reader engagement, but Hendrix fans young and old will appreciate this look at how "Jimi showed the world/ how to kiss the sky." Back matter includes an author's note, timeline, discography, and personal playlist. Ages 7-up. (Oct.)
Copyright 2021 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Kirkus
This creative, impassioned, in-your-face biography is as on fire as Jimi Hendrix’s guitar.
Review quotes
Hendrix, Jimi
Guitarists
Rock musicans
