No matter the genre or style, ask any guitarist about their influences, and Jimi Hendrix’s name inevitably arises. Hendrix’s unrelenting creativity and pioneering approach to the guitar left an indelible mark on music history, inspiring generations with a sound that remains electrifying to this day.
A musician’s greatness is often measured not only by public admiration but by the respect of their peers. For Jimmy Page—another icon who reshaped rock with Led Zeppelin—Hendrix was an unparalleled force. The mutual respect between these two legends underscores the monumental impact they each had on music, with Page once naming Hendrix as the finest guitarist he had ever encountered.
In interviews, Page often celebrated the artistry of various guitarists, from Eric Clapton and Pete Townshend to Elliot Randall and Clarence White. “Every guitar player inherently has something unique about their playing,” Page once said, emphasizing the importance of individuality in music. But his admiration for Hendrix stood apart.
In a 1975 interview with Rolling Stone, Page shared his reverence for Hendrix, remarking, “We’ve lost the best guitarist any of us ever had, and that was Hendrix.” His words highlighted not only Hendrix’s technical brilliance but the void left in the music world after his passing.
However, Hendrix’s life was as complex as his playing was groundbreaking. His struggles with drugs and alcohol often overshadowed his genius in personal interactions. Page recounted his only meeting with Hendrix at the Salvation club in New York, which left him with mixed emotions.
“Did I ever meet him? I did actually go into a club in New York called Salvation, and he was there,” Page recalled. “But he was totally out of it. He didn’t really know who anybody was – he was barely conscious. Somebody was just kind of holding him up… It’s just kind of a shame that I never really had the chance to talk with him or hear him. I heard his records, naturally, but it would’ve been a thrill to see how he worked things out on stage. That’s quite another ballgame, as you know.”
Page’s account is one of many that reflect the bittersweet duality of Hendrix’s legacy. While his brilliance as a musician remains unquestionable, his personal struggles often cast a shadow over his extraordinary life. For those who met him, including Page, the opportunity to connect with Hendrix the person often felt heartbreakingly out of reach.
Hendrix’s legacy endures as a testament to his artistry, a reminder of his untouchable innovation, and a cautionary tale of the toll of fame. As Jimmy Page and countless others attest, Hendrix’s music transcends time, solidifying his place as one of the greatest guitarists to ever grace the stage.
