Profile America - Jimi Hendrix

 WASHINGTON - One of rock music's top guitarists, Jimi Hendrix, was born in 1942 inSeattle.  The African-American started as a sideman for rhythm and blues artists such as Little Richard, then moved to London.

 There, he formed the "Jimi Hendrix Experience," which provided a platform for his innovation, his over-the-top style of guitar playing.

His appearance at the Woodstock Festival,  and songs such as "Purple Haze" established a lasting reputation before he died of a drug overdose in 1970.

 In the late 60s, Americans spent about $1 billion a year on recorded music — LPs, 45s and 8-track tapes.  Now, we spend about $8.5 billion  annually on recorded music in modern formats.