"Hey Joe" by Jimi Hendrix

Hear the track that launched a legend: Jimi Hendrix's iconic 1967 rock rendition of "Hey Joe." His debut single in the UK (late 1966), this slow-burning blues rock standard captivated audiences with Hendrix's revolutionary guitar playing and cool, menacing vocal delivery, becoming an instant classic.

Released as the first single by The Jimi Hendrix Experience and featured on the US version of Are You Experienced in 1967, "Hey Joe" transformed a folk-blues tune into a rock masterpiece. Hendrix's innovative guitar work, including the unforgettable solo, defined his sound and set the stage for his meteoric rise.

This 1967 rock staple, built on a distinctive chord progression, tells a dark story through Hendrix's unique interpretation. Its blend of blues tradition and psychedelic rock innovation remains incredibly powerful. "Hey Joe" endures as one of Jimi Hendrix's most definitive and recognizable performances, a landmark recording of the era.

SONG MEANING: This song tells a narrative through a question-and-answer format about a man named Joe who has just shot his unfaithful partner ("I caught her messin' 'round with another man"). He confirms the act and declares his intention to flee south to Mexico to escape the consequences of his violent actions fueled by jealousy.