Starting At Zero: His Own Story

It didn't take long after Jimi Hendrix's death for the artist to become a myth of music. He has been surrounded by a shroud of intrigue since he first came into the public eye, and the mystery has only grown with time. Much has been written and said about him by experts and fans and critics, some of it true and some of it not; Starting at Zero will set the record straight. This is Hendrix in his own words. The lyricism and rhythm of Jimi Hendrix's writing will be of no surprise to his fans. Hendrix wrote prolifically throughout his life and he left behind a trove of scribbled-on hotel stationary, napkins and cigarette cartons. Starting at Zero weaves the scraps and bits together fluidly with interviews and lyrics revealing for the first time a continuous narrative of the artist's life, from birth through to the final four years of his life. The result is a beautifully poetic, charming and passionate memoir as smooth and memorable as Hendrix's finest songs. The pieces of Starting at Zero came together in large part because of the inspiration of Alan Douglas. Douglas first met Jimi Hendrix backstage at Woodstock, and soon after became Hendrix's producer and close friend. In creating the book he joined forces with Peter Neal, who edited Hendrix's writing with the reverence and light touch it deserved.

About the Author :
Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) was one of the most important musicians of the 20th century. Alan Douglas is a record producer who produced many of Hendrix's posthumous releases. He was a friend and adviser to the musician during his lifetime. Peter Neal is a documentary film director, whose credits include the 1968 Hendrix short documentary Experience.

Review :
Starting At Zero is the real deal. It's the first book I've ever read entirely in Jimi's own words, uncensored and unadulterated. I can hear his voice in my head as I read it Leon Hendrix The nearest we'll ever get to an autobiography by the guitarist who redefined pop ... The book contains both snippets that confirm hunches one had about both man and music, and others that confound the stereotype of a wild reckless genius who played himself into an early grave in 1970 ... Fascinating -- Ed Vulliamy Observer A startling first-person narrative, this is an engaging and immersive work that will delight those fascinated by the guitarist's legacy Sunday Times Books of the Year The legendary guitarist had a gift with words ... articulate and instinctively wise on life's vicissitudes ... What pervades every page ... is a man thoroughly alive MOJO **** The virtue of this book is its revelation of the restless, curious, creative, self-contradictory mind of a musical genius as he grappled with fame, fellow musicians, inspiration, doubt and life under the competing spotlights of adulation and criticism. A must-read Kirkus Documentary filmmaker Neal and record producer Douglas have astutely and seamlessly assembled Hendrix's long-scattered writings into a confiding, funny, and wrenching memoir of a life lived on the edge and passionately devoted to music and freedom Booklist A chronological account of Hendrix's life told exclusively in his own words, painstakingly researched over two decades. The result is a first-person narrative ... an intimate look inside the musician's thoughts ... Thrilling Wall Street Journal