James Marshall 'Jimi' Hendrix (November 27, 1942 - September 18, 1970) was an American musician, singer, songwriter, guitarist, innovator, and cultural icon. Lauded by music fans and critics alike, Hendrix is considered by many to be the most influential and talented electric guitarist in rock music history. He achieved worldwide fame in 1967, then headlined the iconic 1969 Woodstock Festival before his sudden death in 1970 at the age of 27.