The Experience of Young Jimi Hendrix

Originally named Johnny Allen Hendrix, the future superstar was the first son of James Allen "Al" Hendrix and Lucille Jeter. Al was in the U.S. Army, stationed in Oklahoma, at the time of his son's birth and was soon fighting in France during World War II. After he was honorably discharged from the service in 1945, Al returned home to Seattle and decided to rename his son. He became James Marshall Hendrix, in tribute of Al's late brother, Leon Marshall Hendrix. At the time, the name change didn't matter much, because Jimi was called "Buster" from birth.

Upon returning from the army, Al reunited with Lucille and the couple had four more children together: Leon, Joseph, Kathy and Pamela. But all was not well with the family. Al struggled to find work after the war ended and three of his five children suffered disabilities, making it even tougher to provide the necessary care for them. Joseph was born with physical difficulties and was placed in foster care at the age of 3. Kathy was blind and Pamela also had minor disabilities. They both grew up in foster care.