Ep 1. The Uncut Story: Episode 1: 1942 to 1961

The Uncut Story: Episode 1: 1942 to 1961 chronicles the early years of Jimi Hendrix's life, from his birth in 1942 to his emergence as a guitar virtuoso in the early 1960s. The episode takes us through Hendrix's childhood in Seattle, where he was raised by a single mother who worked long hours as a domestic worker. Despite a difficult upbringing, Hendrix discovered a love for music at an early age, teaching himself to play the guitar by mimicking the songs he heard on the radio.

We learn about Hendrix's stint in the Army, where he served as a paratrooper until a back injury led to his honorable discharge. It was during his time in the Army that Hendrix began to hone his skills as a musician, playing in various bands on weekends and borrowing other soldiers' guitars to practice.

After leaving the Army, Hendrix embarked on a music career, playing in various bands around the country and honing his skills as a live performer. The episode delves into Hendrix's early years on the Chitlin' Circuit, playing behind acts like Little Richard and the Isley Brothers and developing his stage presence and musicianship.

We also get a glimpse into Hendrix's personal life during these early years, including his marriage to his first wife, Betty Jean Morgan, and his struggles with addiction and poverty. The episode paints a vivid picture of the burgeoning music scene of the early 1960s, as Hendrix navigates the racially charged environment of the era and begins to forge a unique sound that would come to define his legacy.

Through rare archival footage and interviews with those who knew him best, The Uncut Story: Episode 1 provides a comprehensive look at the formative years of Jimi Hendrix's life and career. It captures his early influences, from blues and R&B to folk and rock, and gives us a sense of the passion and drive that would propel him to become one of the most innovative and influential musicians of all time.