"Uncle" Jimi Hendrix

by Sean Aaron Cruz

Jimi Hendrix’s career and worldwide presence exploded in 1967 with his trio’s unforgettable performance at the Monterey Pop Festival and the release of his debut LP Are You Experienced. In just four short years before his death from a drug overdose in 1970, Jimi Hendrix gained recognition as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of the instrument.

In the 21^st century, Hendrix remains as influential among musicians and audiences as he was in the 20^th, particularly among electric guitarists. Covering and mastering Jimi Hendrix’s songs is a challenge only the most highly skilled guitarists can meet, and at least six Native American guitarists have crossed that threshold: Micki Free, Derek Miller, Mato Nanji, Levi Platero, Stevie Salas and Cameron Osceola. Among them, they have performed and recorded these six Hendrix songs:

Jimi Hendrix tribute covers:

Micki Free (Cherokee/Comanche)   Voodoo Child/Red House/Hear My Train A-Comin’

Derek Miller (Six Nations of the Grand River)  Voodoo Child

Mato Nanji (Ihanktonwan Nation)  Red House/Hear My Train A-Comin’/ Voodoo Child/Little Wing

Cameron Osceola (Seminole Tribe of Florida)  Little Wing/Voodoo Child                        

Levi Platero  (Navajo Nation)  Little Wing/Third Stone from the Sun/Angel/Red House/Voodoo Child

Stevie Salas (Mescalero Apache Tribe)    Little Wing               

Musician, songwriter, bandleader

Guitar, Vocals