SEATTLE, WA.- This November marks the 70th birthday of Jimi Hendrix, and to celebrate his legacy, EMP Museum is organizing a major new exhibition about one of rock music’s most influential artists. Endorsed by Experience Hendrix LLC, Hear My Train a Comin’: Hendrix Hits London focuses on Jimi Hendrix’s arrival in London in September 1966, his rise to prominence on the British pop charts, and his subsequent return to America in June 1967 when his incendiary performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival created a worldwide sensation. Hear My Train a Comin’ opened at EMP Museum on November 17, 2012.

“Jimi Hendrix surmounted racial and cultural barriers in America and Great Britain at a time when youth culture, pop music, and society were radically changing,” says Jacob McMurray, EMP Senior Curator. “One of the most innovative musicians of the 20th century, Hendrix continues to influence an ever-increasing number of musicians, artists, and fans in the 21st century. EMP is privileged to partner with Experience Hendrix, who has long generated a platform to preserve Hendrix’s legacy.”

Featuring more than 100 artifacts, including rare costumes, instruments, photographs, albums, and ephemera from EMP’s unparalleled Hendrix collection, along with never-before-seen artifacts from the estate of Jimi Hendrix Experience drummer, Mitch Mitchell, this 2,500 square-foot exhibition is the first of its kind to shine a light on Hendrix’s London reception. In collaboration with Experience Hendrix LLC, EMP will organize commemorative programs and events throughout the year to mark major milestones in Hendrix’s life.

Janie Hendrix, Jimi’s sister and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, the family company charged with managing the Jimi Hendrix legacy, notes, “Hear My Train a Comin’ is certain to be an informative and fascinating exhibition. It is wonderful to be able to share so much of Jimi with fans. There is no question that it will solidify my brother’s place at the very top of music’s pantheon. While we celebrate his birth and legacy every day, the exhibition at EMP and the companion exhibit at London’s Hospital Club Gallery offer tangible proof of his trans-generational impact and continuing appeal.”

ARTIFACT HIGHLIGHTS:
• Handwritten lyrics for “Love or Confusion,” penned by Hendrix in November 1966 and released the following year on his debut album, Are You Experienced.

• Shards from the guitar that Hendrix smashed at the conclusion of his famous performance at London’s Saville Theater on June 4, 1967. Hendrix painted the guitar himself and even composed the poem on the back of the instrument.

• Custom tailored jackets by Dandie Fashions, an enterprise that the Beatles later transformed into Apple Tailoring.

• Western style hat and purple scarf worn by Hendrix on the cover of The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s Smash Hits album.

• Silver sparkle WFL drum kit used by Mitch Mitchell in the late 1960s.

“So many aspects of Mitch's fascinating life will be on display at EMP, tracing his beginning as a successful child actor to his copious session work,” details Dee Mitchell, wife of the late Mitch Mitchell. “In Jimi, Mitch found the most fabulous musician and friend. From that period are original clothes, fan mail, and memorabilia from such famous gigs as Monterey Pop and the Saville Theatre.”

Hear My Train a Comin’ also features an extensive collection of oral history interviews from Jeff Beck, Ian McLagan, Al Hendrix, Charles Shaar Murray, Ravi Shankar, Steve Winwood, along with concert footage, including never-before-seen video of Hendrix’s January 29, 1967 performance at London’s Saville Theatre.