
In 1970, I arrived in Vietnam with a $35 guitar and a heart full of Jimi Hendrix’s music. His sound helped me survive the war, and I formed a cover band—The Soul Coordinators—to perform for fellow soldiers. Hendrix connected us across backgrounds and gave us comfort. On September 18, I learned of his death while listening to “The Wind Cries Mary” in the jungle. That moment changed my life—I knew music would be my path. I later studied at Berklee, arranged Hendrix tunes, and recorded albums inspired by his legacy. In 2005, I formed The Band of Jimis (BOJ) with two fellow Hendrix fans. We played live shows, recorded demos, and celebrated the music we loved. Years later, I rediscovered those recordings and began editing and enhancing them in my studio. Starting April 18, 2025, I’ll release one Hendrix track per month for 18 months, ending September 18, 2026—a tribute to the artist who shaped my voice and spirit."