Jimi Hendrix, born James Marshall Hendrix, was an American guitarist, singer and songwriter who became one of the most influential figures in rock history. Rising to prominence in the second half of the 1960s, he profoundly transformed the use of the electric guitar through a style blending blues, psychedelic rock, hard rock, soul and sonic experimentation. With albums such as Are You Experienced, Axis: Bold as Love and Electric Ladyland, along with legendary performances at Monterey and Woodstock, Jimi Hendrix permanently reshaped the language of modern guitar playing.