Jimi Hendrix – Johnny B. Goode

Jimi Hendrix – Johnny B. Goode

A classic posthumous Jimi Hendrix 7" single pairing his explosive live interpretation of Chuck Berry's rock 'n' roll standard “Johnny B. Goode” with the beautiful studio recording of “Little Wing”. Originally issued in the UK on Polydor in 1972, the single showcases two very different sides of Hendrix – the raw power of his live guitar playing and the atmospheric, melodic songwriting of his studio work. The release reached No. 35 on the UK Singles Chart.

“Johnny B. Goode” was recorded live at Berkeley Community Theatre, California, on 30 May 1970, during one of Hendrix's final major concert periods. His version transforms Chuck Berry's 1950s rock 'n' roll classic into an extended showcase for his guitar, combining the familiar riff with Hendrix's distinctive tone, phrasing and improvisational style. The recording was subsequently issued on Hendrix In The West as well as this 1972 single.

On the B-side is “Little Wing”, one of Hendrix's most celebrated compositions. Originally recorded by The Jimi Hendrix Experience during the Axis: Bold as Love sessions in October 1967, it is a compact, atmospheric piece built around Hendrix's expressive guitar, vocals and a delicate arrangement featuring glockenspiel. The song was first released on Axis: Bold as Love in December 1967 in the UK.

With recordings spanning 1967–1970 and the single itself issued in 1972, this is an appealing Hendrix 7" for collectors of classic rock, psychedelic rock, blues rock and vintage 1970s singles.

Side A

1. Johnny B. Goode

Side B

1. Little Wing