What if they survived

[Stranger Danger]

Did he sing as well as Clapton? There lies your answer.

I didn't ask a question.

 

[MegaSwing]

^^^
In music, the singers ultimately win.

 

[higain617]

I doubt Duane Allman would have done a "Change the World."

 

[MegaSwing]

That's what makes this game so great.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

I know Jimi was fired by Little Richard for drawing too much attention with his stage antics (and for being late). Hadn't heard of him being fired by the Isleys, and I'm dubious about the "couldn't play the parts" thing. It is well known that he was a huge influence on Ernie Isley (listen to the group's "Who's That Lady"!) ... it's pretty clear that he was well thought of there.

Jimi also backed up Wilson Pickett, Sam Cooke, Slim Harpo, Jackie Wilson, and King Curtis, among others, so I think he kinda knew what he was doing! Particularly if we consider his later career, and consider how all of his contemporaries viewed him (the guy, for most of 'em).

I wasn't there, so I don't know, but my information comes from a guy who did sound for them. I helped him do sound for the Isley Brothers in about 1973 (+/-). I was behind speaker towers handling any issues that might come up. They had a young black guy that looked and dressed like Hendrix, including the head band and scarf tied around the thigh. I asked my friend about it and he told me they had fired him for the same reason as you point out about Little Richard and they didn't like what he played. But after he got famous, they hired the kid that looked like him.

I know about every thing you have stated except Little Richard. I know he has a great resume and I am not saying I didn't like him. I am just saying I don't think he was as great as most people think he is. I can name two guitarists I think are better off the top of my head:
Andre Segovia
Chet Atkins
SRV
Neither are in the same genre, but that is my point. To be the greatest, you have to be versatile. Hendrix was not.

 

[jamro217]

It makes you wonder whether or not we all missed out on what could have been. Maybe if Les Harvey had lived, Stone the Crows would have made a breakthrough that sent popular music into a different direction. The same could be said for Eddie Cochran. If Peter Green and Danny Kirwan didn't take drugs at a party one time, the late'70's Fleetwood Mac Buckingham/ Nicks version never would have existed.

 

[Helix]

Let’s not forget Randy Rhoades. When “Blizzard of Oz” came out, that was a big game changer

 

[RED J]

I agree with OP. Most probably would of done a little more then fizzled, like most of the greats. I'm sure some of them definitely could of done a lot in their field for a few more years, but I don't think life as we know it would be different.

I have to agree with this. My personal idea of a superstar is one whose career lasts a lifetime. Looking at it that way, many flash and crash, some enjoy moderate success, some quit, and many name recognition, but few last all that long and have a lasting influence, even if they have a cult following. Like Harrison said, all things must pass.
You can find virtually anyone who recorded on audio or video from the 1920's on via youtube, but the fan base is usually pretty niche-ey. Their influence might still be felt, but not recognized by most.

 

[mat666]

I wasn't there, so I don't know, but my information comes from a guy who did sound for them. I helped him do sound for the Isley Brothers in about 1973 (+/-). I was behind speaker towers handling any issues that might come up. They had a young black guy that looked and dressed like Hendrix, including the head band and scarf tied around the thigh. I asked my friend about it and he told me they had fired him for the same reason as you point out about Little Richard and they didn't like what he played. But after he got famous, they hired the kid that looked like him.

I know about every thing you have stated except Little Richard. I know he has a great resume and I am not saying I didn't like him. I am just saying I don't think he was as great as most people think he is. I can name two guitarists I think are better off the top of my head:
Andre Segovia
Chet Atkins
SRV
Neither are in the same genre, but that is my point. To be the greatest, you have to be versatile. Hendrix was not.

You can't compare like that...Rolling Stones, The Beatles or even Led Zeppelin cannot play like Dream Theater does but still nobody was playing like them in there time so that make them as good as the most awesome player of OUR time. FYI

 

[Spirit of Ox]

This is an utterly mesmerizing idea.

It's not far off since they both started playing with Miles Davis. I can also see it not working out. I can see Jaco not wanting to share the stage with a musician that would "up stage" him. Although, he was probably a lot more humble in the 70's. Even Hendrix prefered the bassist hold down the groove and stay in the pocket. Not that Jaco didn't do that but he liked being the star of the stage.

 

[Roy Vogt]

I wasn't there, so I don't know, but my information comes from a guy who did sound for them. I helped him do sound for the Isley Brothers in about 1973 (+/-). I was behind speaker towers handling any issues that might come up. They had a young black guy that looked and dressed like Hendrix, including the head band and scarf tied around the thigh. I asked my friend about it and he told me they had fired him for the same reason as you point out about Little Richard and they didn't like what he played. But after he got famous, they hired the kid that looked like him.

I know about every thing you have stated except Little Richard. I know he has a great resume and I am not saying I didn't like him. I am just saying I don't think he was as great as most people think he is. I can name two guitarists I think are better off the top of my head:
Andre Segovia
Chet Atkins
SRV
Neither are in the same genre, but that is my point. To be the greatest, you have to be versatile. Hendrix was not.

That was their cousin Ernie Isley. He got as close to Jimi as Black Radio would allow in the 70s:

On the other hand, my former boss Engelbert Humperdinck told me that when he was on tour with a package that included Cat Stevens, The Walker Brothers, Hendrix and himself his guitar player was in an auto accident and couldn't make a gig. Hendrix volunteered to play and stood behind the curtain and according to Engelbert played the show perfectly. Engelbert maintains to this day that Hendrix was the best guitarist he ever had-if only for one show!

 

[Roy Vogt]

Even with his death Jaco changed bass playing forever and will always be a major icon.

No doubt that Jaco is a Major Jazz Icon. However, if he'd had a couple of more decades he would likely have taken his place as a Major Jazz Composer, even as Charles Mingus the Bass Virtuoso was overshadowed by Charles Mingus the Composer/Bandleader. "Word of Mouth" was a tantalizing look at what might have been.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

You can't compare like that...Rolling Stones, The Beatles or even Led Zeppelin cannot play like Dream Theater does but still nobody was playing like them in there time so that make them as good as the most awesome player of OUR time. FYI

Sure I can compare like that. I am comparing against the statement "world's greatest guitar player"
Sorry, but he wasn't. He was very good, but by no means better than every other guitar player.
I'm just saying "world's best" is an overstatement.

 

[Roy Vogt]

Interesting discussion. I live in Nashville and we succeeded in running off Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Dwight Yoakum as "not being good" while lionizing Lee Greenwood and Barbara Mandrell in the Early 80s. Recognition in the Industry may just be a more savory Velveeta Cheese Dip.

 

[kenneffdupriest]

IMHO, I feel that Hendrix was the only innovator of that group and today wud still be a front runner in music, whether making it, producing it or just shaping it in general. Elvis wud have had a great Vegas act. I think the others wud have faded into the woodwork.

 

[TyBo]

I wasn't there, so I don't know, but my information comes from a guy who did sound for them. I helped him do sound for the Isley Brothers in about 1973 (+/-). I was behind speaker towers handling any issues that might come up. They had a young black guy that looked and dressed like Hendrix, including the head band and scarf tied around the thigh. I asked my friend about it and he told me they had fired him for the same reason as you point out about Little Richard and they didn't like what he played. But after he got famous, they hired the kid that looked like him.

I know about every thing you have stated except Little Richard. I know he has a great resume and I am not saying I didn't like him. I am just saying I don't think he was as great as most people think he is. I can name two guitarists I think are better off the top of my head:
Andre Segovia
Chet Atkins
SRV
Neither are in the same genre, but that is my point. To be the greatest, you have to be versatile. Hendrix was not.

"That kid that looked like [Hendrix]" was Ernie Isley, as has been pointed out. I imagine that fact may have had something to do with his being hired to fill Hendrix's shoes. The fact that you were and are not aware of this pretty strongly undercuts your portrayal of having knowledge about what went down with the Isley Brothers!

I like the music of Chet Atkins and Andres Segovia, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. The first two don't have a lot to do with Hendrix, just very different genres, while SRV copped a very large part of his style from Jimi (don't get me wrong, I like SRV, saw him play back in the day ... too darn loud, but a terrific player, obviously). Again, I think most of Hendrix's contemporaries felt he was pretty versatile, and pretty amazing. If you don't dig his sh*t, I guess that's your loss.

 

[Stealth Fighter]

What if they survived?

 

[MVE]

Did he sing as well as Clapton? There lies your answer.

No, but his brother certainly does.

 

[Gravedigger Dav]

"That kid that looked like [Hendrix]" was Ernie Isley, as has been pointed out. I imagine that fact may have had something to do with his being hired to fill Hendrix's shoes. The fact that you were and are not aware of this pretty strongly undercuts your portrayal of having knowledge about what went down with the Isley Brothers!

I like the music of Chet Atkins and Andres Segovia, and Stevie Ray Vaughn. The first two don't have a lot to do with Hendrix, just very different genres, while SRV copped a very large part of his style from Jimi (don't get me wrong, I like SRV, saw him play back in the day ... too darn loud, but a terrific player, obviously). Again, I think most of Hendrix's contemporaries felt he was pretty versatile, and pretty amazing. If you don't dig his sh*t, I guess that's your loss.

You sound like a religious zealot who has just heard someone say their saviour is a faker.
No loss to me. You are missing the part where I said I like him, just don't think he is or was the greatest guitarist.
Your argument about Ernie Isley is laughable. Keep track of the discussion. I said I got the information from the sound guy. It could be wrong. You totally missed my point about the other guitarists. Yes, with the exception of SRV, they are not usually in his genre, but they are all very accomplished musicians. So was Jimi.
Now I am tired of repeating myself, so I will say one more time only. I am only arguing the statment he is "The worlds greatest guitar player." I don't think he was and I don't even know how you can quantify such a thing. They are all different. Let's throw Wes Montgomery into the mix and see how he stacks up.

Are you starting to get it now? Let's recap:

1. I like Hendrix
2. He was an excellent guitarist
3. He was in innovator, especially with effects and feeback. He taught us all that and we should be thankful
4. He was a great showman and knew how to work a crowd
5. It is sad he destroyed himself at such a young age
6. He was not the world's best guitar player
7. There is no such thing as the world's best guitarist

Hope that clears it up for you. If you opinions differ, that is okay.

 

[10cc]

or if he had existed at all. couldnt resist [/Q
that's what I was getting at.