Deeper Digs: Kiss the Sky - Jimi Hendrix Special Pt. I
November is Jimi Hendrix month here on Deeper Digs! For the next few episodes we will be featuring several interviews with people who played with Hendrix, were inspired by Hendrix or have written extensively about Hendrix.
All of this is in anticipation of the 78th birthday celebration of the man on November 27th, where the incredible recreation act “Kiss the Sky” will be performing their annual concert event virtually from the historic Bearsville Theater!
See why Rolling Stone Magazine has said ""Yes believe the hype! This show lives up to it!” and why AXS-TV crowned Kiss The Sky featuring left handed guitar virtuoso Jimy Bleu, "The World’s Greatest Tribute to Jimi Hendrix”.
Kiss The Sky recreate Hendrix’s most iconic concert moments in full replica wardrobe and gear so well that they have had the honor of playing with all surviving members of Hendrix’s own bands including Billy Cox, The Last Gypsy.
Today we have two amazing guests to kick things off!
First up is one of the greatest living drummers, Kenny Aronoff.
Voted one of the top 100 drummers of all time by Rolling Stone Magazine, Drummer Magazine have crowned Kenny Aronoff the #1 Pop /Rock Drummer and the #1 Studio Drummer for his unique and emulated style combining finesse and power. The celebrated musician has contributed his talents to more than 60 Grammy® nominated recordings. Over 300 million records sold worldwide feature his work—1,300 of which are certified gold, platinum or diamond records!
In his autobiography, Sex, Drums, Rock ’n’ Roll! Kenny Aronoff talks about his childhood growing up in both the Berkshires and Mid-West.
At an early age, music inspired him. He studied classical, jazz and every style in between—creating a foundation that evolved him into the versatile drummer he is today, with the talent to play anything. While trying to make it in the music industry in his early 20’s, fate stepped in with the audition that would change his life—it was for John Mellencamp. His work with Mellencamp catapulted Aronoff to the top of the charts with hits like “Hurts so Good,” “Little Pink Houses,” and “Jack and Diane” paving the way for session and recording work for many remarkable artists.
https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Drums-Rock-Roll-Business/dp/1495007936
Batting second is Corey Washington with a very important book “Jimi Hendrix - Black Legacy (A Dream Deferred)” is the culmination of a two decade journey of author Corey Washington's exploration of Jimi Hendrix's complex and misunderstood relationship and impact on the Black Community. Jimi's life has been featured in numerous biographies over the years, but very little has been properly documented, when it comes to his influence on people of color. Hendrix was often seen by many to have transcended race, which is a slap in the face to his deep cultural roots, concerning not only his Black musical traditions, but simply growing up as a Black person in the 40's-60’s.
Corey seeks to add to Jimi's overall legacy, by embracing Jimi's Black culture, including the well known people in Jimi's life, as well as the voices that many do not get to hear from in your traditional Jimi Hendrix biographies.
It was always a strong desire of Jimi Hendrix to garner a more diverse fan base. Although he never got to fully see the fruits of his labor, Jimi Hendrix - Black Legacy, will reveal that his wish ultimately came true.
Corey Washington is a high school History teacher currently teaching in Richmond County, Augusta, Georgia. He holds both a bachelor's and master's degree in Middle Grades Education from Augusta State University. Born in New York City in 1976, he has grown up in a cultural/racial melting pot.