When we look back at influential figures in the music world, it’s hard to picture a time when Jimi Hendrix wasn’t the groundbreaking artist he became, or when his impact on music was yet to be realized. However, for Hendrix to make the lasting impression he did, he needed to cross paths with the right people and be given an opportunity to shine—something that almost didn’t happen.
Music labels and talent scouts aren’t just looking for skilled musicians—they seek individuals who can be marketed to the public. At the time Hendrix was beginning his career, the music scene was dominated by artists like Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck, who were already celebrated as guitar legends. But the guitar riff and solo weren’t as central to rock as they are today.
So, when people saw Jimi Hendrix perform, they recognized a gifted guitarist, but not necessarily someone who could be sold to the masses. Many potential managers attended his shows, yet none saw the value in working with him.
Linda Keith, the fiancée of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, was among the first to see Hendrix’s potential. She was so convinced that Hendrix deserved a chance that she convinced Rolling Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham to see him perform when he was in New York. Keith even lent him one of Richards’ guitars to ensure he played at his best.
“I couldn’t believe nobody had picked up on him before, because he’d obviously been around,” Keith recalled in an interview. “Jimi was astonishing—the moods he could bring to music, his charisma, his skill, and stage presence.”
However, Oldham, like many others, passed on the opportunity to manage Hendrix. That’s when Chas Chandler, bassist for The Animals, stepped in. While this moment may now seem like an inevitable turning point, it’s clear that few others at the time would have been able to see beyond Hendrix’s unorthodox style and understand his true potential.
By the time Chandler discovered Hendrix, The Animals were winding down. Their success had plateaued, and Chandler was aware that the band’s time was running out. Deciding to step away from making music, Chandler shifted his focus to talent scouting. He wasn’t actively managing other artists when he came across Hendrix during a US tour. But when he saw Hendrix perform, it wasn’t just as a manager looking for a star—it was as a fellow musician recognizing another extraordinary talent.
In all likelihood, mainstream managers wouldn’t have taken a chance on Hendrix. His wild style and avant-garde approach made him difficult to market. It took another musician—Chandler—to recognize Hendrix’s potential and give him the break he needed. Chandler encouraged Hendrix to move to London, and that decision played a pivotal role in launching Hendrix’s career to international acclaim, where he was finally able to demonstrate the immense talent he would become legendary for.
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