There was so much happening in 1969 that a little thought in Jimi’s head went almost unnoticed
In the tumultuous world in which he lived there was hardly time for such things, but he did hold a place to describe his nascent vision to a few people he thought might care, and who he thought might become sounding boards to help him refine it. Jimi played and thought from his heart, embraced an almost magical child-like universe in his inner consciousness, and deeply felt the suffering of others and the insoluble conflicts of the world. It was only natural for a mind and heart like Jimi’s to want to speak to the misery of the brokenhearted, not just in the metaphors of his lyrics and songs and in the healing universal power of music itself, but in real, on-the-ground charity, based on the incredible drawing power he had miraculously achieved on the stage. He wanted to walk the walk, not just talk the talk. In his quiet way he felt that he had been given a gift far surpassing anything he imagined he deserved and sincerely believed he must return the fruits of this gift to those who had given it to him, and of course to the infinite divine energy from which it all sprang and to which he referred again and again in his metaphors and public comments.
And so it was born in 1969, without a name and without a home, an idea and desire which would eventually reach the ears of Al Hendrix and linger in his own heart until 1988, when he could finally bring Jimi and his life’s work back home, and grant his son’s heartfelt wish to put his name and public recognition to charitable good, by establishing the Jimi Hendrix Foundation.
(* As recounted by Dave Weyer from a 1969 conversation)
Al Hendrix established “The James Marshall Hendrix Foundation/Jimi Hendrix Foundation” as a stand-alone entity for the sole purpose of continuing the name and legacy of Jimi Hendrix for charitable endeavors.
At a special “meet and greet” in San Diego, a humble Al Hendrix told Tom Hagan, the owner of Daddy’s Guitars and a current CFO of the Jimi Hendrix Foundation, that he only wanted to do right by Jimi to do charitable works, he wasn’t “interested in the money” but wanted to help and give back to honor his son.
The James Marshall Hendrix Foundation was officially registered as a 501(c)(3) and set its sites on high profile fundraisers and community service. The “Jimi Awards” were established to recognize and support local talent
by granting scholarships. The Foundation’s focus was soon affected challenges that challenged the use of intellectual property and its right to exist. Prompted by his close friendship with Al Hendrix, Jimmy Williams a classmate and boyhood friend of Jimi was asked by Al “clean up” the Foundation and put it back on track, in 2005, a new Foundation emerged. With new programs like “Music for Life” and
“Captain Strata” created by Jimmy Williams, the Foundation was on its way with initiatives that would help communities locally and globally. Eventually, the strains of rebuilding took its toll and Jimmy Williams retired but not before asking his friend Joe Rosignolo to come in and pick up the pieces.
With an enthusiastic incentive to help protect the legacy of Jimi Hendrix the mission was clear, restructure and rebuild the Foundation.
Even though the name Jimi Hendrix was recognizable and extremely well known throughout the world, Joe had to take on the overwhelming task of overcoming the Foundation’s lack of exposure and visibility – “nobody knew we existed!”
NHRA North Carolina National’s – September 18th, 2015 the 45th anniversary of Jimi’s passing, marked the dawn of an incredible milestone for the Foundation. Racing sports history was made, the biggest name in Rock -n- Roll was on a full wrap 25-foot Top Fuel Dragster. Supplied by NHRA Sports great Connie Kalitta, this co-venture gained monumental
exposure and momentum and so the Jimi Hendrix Foundation was now visible to the whole world.
But, once again, the Foundation found itself in an intellectual property challenge caused by a 3rd party contractor who failed to comply with conformity rules of the Foundation. After arduous work and effort, not to mention the exorbitant cost, monies otherwise used for good causes, the Jimi Hendrix Foundation prevailed – ready, inspired and poised to concentrate all its attention on making up for lost time and getting “back on track” with “full rights” to name, likeness and signature of Jimi Hendrix for charitable endeavors.
Despite the set-back’s and a shaky and bumpy ride, the focus of the Jimi Hendrix Foundation is, as it has always been, on developing and expanding initiatives and programs to help the disadvantaged.
Just as Jimi and Al Hendrix intended.
Let’s Work Together
to
Develop Potential
Opening Photo – © Tom Gundelfinger O’Neal – Monterey Pop Festival
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