Stories surrounding Jimi Hendrix’s biopic led us to believe that the neo-eclectic musician-turned-actor, Andre Benjamin, will play the legendary guitarist, singer, and songwriter. If not Andre 3000 (OutKast), then who? Wiz Khalifa entertained the thought of portraying Hendrix. He “wouldn’t be against it”, but he doesn't want to “disappoint” fans.
Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) was limited in America, but took electric soul to another level in London. Similar to the path of music legend Tina Turner and other black entertainers, scholars, and athletes who found European audiences more welcoming. Around the age of 19, he played backup for some of Turner’s shows; as well as Little Richard, Sam Cooke, and the Isley Brothers.
Undisputedly one of the greatest cultural figures of the 60s psychedelic movement, it’s argued that his greatness stemmed from a wildly gifted, colorful, hallucinogenic lifestyle. A couple years after his third album (1967), he was the main event at Woodstock. Not only a musical genius, but he was also highly educated and entrepreneurial. In 1970, he opened the Electric Lady, the first privately owned studio.
When Andre Benjamin opened up about All Is By My Side, he said that he approached the role as a man and not a legend. He “didn’t look at [Hendrix] as an icon because when you’re in it, you don’t know you’re an icon”. Unfortunately, there’s haze over the production. The major element of Hendrix’s legacy and Benjamin’s industry ties is not in the film. Experience Hendrix, LLC refused to issue music rights.
The biopic was filmed in Ireland, and focuses on Hendrix’s career in 1966 and 1967.
For the status of its 2013 release, go here.
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