New York City is set to bestow a lasting honor upon the legacy of Jimi Hendrix, officially co-naming West Eighth Street in Greenwich Village “Jimi Hendrix Way.” The designation, slated for a ceremony on at 11 a.m. On the corner of Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue, recognizes the profound impact of the iconic guitarist and the location of his groundbreaking Electric Lady Studios.
Electric Lady Studios, opened in , wasn’t just another recording space; it was the first commercial studio owned by an artist – a testament to Hendrix’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit. Sadly, Hendrix passed away just three weeks after the studio’s grand opening, having barely had the opportunity to fully utilize the space he’d created. The studio, however, went on to become a legendary hub for countless artists, hosting sessions with the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Patti Smith, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift, among many others.
The push for the co-naming was spearheaded by Janie Hendrix, President and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, alongside musician Stevie Van Zandt and writer Jeff Slate. Their efforts highlight a broader initiative to preserve and celebrate Hendrix’s artistic contributions, extending beyond simply acknowledging his musical prowess.
The street naming ceremony will coincide with the launch of a new educational partnership between Experience Hendrix and TeachRock, Van Zandt’s nonprofit educational initiative. TeachRock utilizes music and pop culture to enhance learning in schools, and the new curriculum, “Jimi Hendrix: Rock’s Trailblazing Innovator and Influential Guitarist,” will delve into Hendrix’s blues and R&B roots, offering students a deeper understanding of his musical foundations. The curriculum will incorporate exclusive archival footage from Experience Hendrix and insights from expert interviews.
“This collaboration speaks to the heart of our mission — carrying on Jimi’s legacy through education,” Janie Hendrix stated. “His music is a powerful gateway for young minds to connect with history, creativity, and their own potential.”
Stevie Van Zandt echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the transformative power of Hendrix’s artistry. “Jimi Hendrix didn’t just play guitar — he reimagined what art could be,” Van Zandt said. “I want TeachRock to transport students into that same sense of possibility and discovery I felt the first time I saw Jimi perform. His story, lyrics, and sound remind young people that creativity has no limits.”
The story of Electric Lady Studios itself is a fascinating one. Hendrix and his manager, Michael Jeffrey, initially envisioned the space as a concert venue when they purchased the site of a former nightclub on West Eighth Street in . However, the vision shifted thanks to the influence of recording engineer Eddie Kramer and studio manager Jim Marron, who convinced Hendrix to transform the location into a state-of-the-art recording studio. The resulting space became a haven for musical innovation, attracting a diverse range of artists and solidifying its place in music history.
This isn’t the first time West Eighth Street has been symbolically renamed in Hendrix’s honor. In , the street was temporarily renamed in connection with the release of the documentary Electric Lady Studios: A Jimi Hendrix Vision. However, this upcoming co-naming represents a permanent tribute, solidifying Hendrix’s connection to Greenwich Village and ensuring his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians and artists.
The co-naming ceremony promises to be a significant event, drawing together key figures in the music industry, educators, and local students. It’s a moment not just to celebrate Hendrix’s musical genius, but also to recognize the importance of music education and the enduring power of artistic innovation. The event will include Janie Hendrix, Stevie Van Zandt, and NYC District 2 Council Member Harvey Epstein, alongside a group of local TeachRock teachers and students.
The decision to honor Hendrix in this way underscores his lasting cultural impact. He wasn’t simply a guitarist; he was a visionary who pushed the boundaries of music and challenged conventional artistic norms. “Jimi Hendrix Way” will serve as a constant reminder of his groundbreaking contributions and his enduring influence on the world of music and beyond.
