The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) kicked off Black History Month February 6, by celebrating the impact of Rock ‘n Roll legend Jimi Hendrix with students at the Nashville School of the Arts (NSA). The first full-school high school assembly presented by NMAAM, ‘Music Legends and Heroes: Reflections of Jimi Hendrix’ consisted of performances by NSA’s pop ensemble, guitar students and GTar Phil & the Chank, followed by a panel discussion structured for participants to reflect on Hendrix.

“Nashville is where Hendrix ‘learned his chops,’ met friends and performed in the nightclubs along Jefferson Street,” said Kim Johnson, director of programs at the NMAAM. “He was even a band member of the TV show Night Train, which broadcasted from WLAC, so this is a great opportunity for us to educate students about Hendrix’s musical roots here in the Music City.”

The panel was moderated by NSA student Kendale Lark-Burch and included world-renowned bassist Jesse Boyce, acclaimed musician and Tennessee State University professor Dr. Mark Crawford, and emerging guitarist and songwriter Phil Hughley, who shared personal stories of Hendrix’s time spent in Nashville—how the Rock icon changed the music industry and his influence on present day artists. Hendrix had spent the early part of his career in Nashville perfecting his craft playing in the nightclubs along Jefferson Street and Printers Alley.

“We played in the clubs on Jefferson Street, the original Music Row, as kids just trying to learn from those before us,” recalled Boyce. “I remember being backstage at a concert with Little Richard when he heard Hendrix perform for the first time. He yelled, ‘Wait a minute baby,’ because he was in awe of Jimi’s performance. Then, Hendrix eventually went on to tour with Little Richard as a background musician in 1965.”

Hughley admitted he did not like Hendrix’s music at first. “I don’t get this guy,” he said. After researching recordings of Hendrix, he became a fan of his ability to play totally uninhibited doing what he felt. “Once I gained a real appreciation for Jimi Hendrix, I realized how amazing he was. He pushed me to embrace my originality.”

Dr. Crawford encouraged students to stay focused on their art, and not get caught up in the “sex, drugs and Rock ‘n Roll” lifestyle that many Rock & Roll legends of the ‘60s, including Hendrix, fell victim. He also touched on the cultural significance of the music of the ‘60s and Hendrix’s time spent in London, saying: “London is where Hendrix developed his style before coming back to America and blowing everyone away.”

After the discussion, Hughley and students from guitar teacher Dr. James Satterwhite’s class performed a tribute to Hendrix and his music, including hits like ‘Hey Joe,’ ‘Red House’ and ‘Purple Haze.’

For more information, or to book programs, contact Kim Johnson at 615-301-8496, or visit the website at www.NMAAM.org, Facebook: theNMAAM or Twitter: @theNMAAM.