J. Kimo Williams - J. Kimo Williams Sings Hendrix: Session I (Vinyl)

In January 1970, I landed in Vietnam with the 60th Company of the 20th Engineers in Lai Khe. On day one, I bought a $35 guitar that stayed by my side throughout my tour. The previous summer, I saw Jimi Hendrix live in Hawaii and recorded part of his show. That experience confirmed music was my calling, and Hendrix’s sound became my lifeline in the war zone.

Inspired, I formed a soldier cover band, *The Soul Coordinators*, and toured Vietnam, playing Hendrix and other covers for troops at firebases. My tentmates, mostly Black soldiers, were initially puzzled by Hendrix’s music—but over jam sessions, we connected through it.

On September 18, 1970, in the jungle with my unit, I heard “The Wind Cries Mary” on the radio. After the song, the DJ announced Hendrix had died. I was devastated. That moment solidified my decision to dedicate my life to music.

In 1972, I attended Berklee College of Music. One of the first tunes I arranged was “The Wind Cries Mary.” My jazz classmates asked, “What’s that music?”—just like in Vietnam.

After graduating and moving to Chicago, I released *War Stories*, featuring that Hendrix arrangement, and later *Tracking*, which included “Manic Depression.” In 2005, I formed a Hendrix tribute band with Ernie Denov and Mark Walker. We called ourselves *The Band of Jimis (BOJ)*—a nod to *Band of Gypsys*. We played shows, including at Buddy Guy’s Blues Club, and recorded demos in my home studio.

After the band dissolved, I moved to West Virginia and discovered our 2005 recordings. I began editing, mixing, and occasionally re-recording parts to preserve that energy. Now, I’m preparing to release 18 of our Hendrix tracks.

Starting **April 18, 2025**, I’ll release one track a month—streaming and download—until **September 18, 2026**, the anniversary of Hendrix’s death.

This is my tribute to the artist who changed my life and gave me a voice through music.