Jimi Hendrix's Jacket to Be Displayed at Smithsonian Native American Exhibit
Since much of Jimi Hendrix's fashion sense came from his paternal grandmother -- a Cherokee Indian who had a flamboyant collection of feather hats and flashy costumes -- it makes sense that a jacket belonging to the guitar god will be on display at the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian.
The exhibit, called 'Up Where We Belong: Native Musicians in Popular Culture,' will honor Native American contributions to contemporary music. It will be at the Washington, D.C., museum from July 1 until January 2.
The full-length Hendrix jacket, a multi-colored, patchwork leather piece, was loaned by Hendrix's family. To prove it was a favorite of the acid rock legend, the museum has noted its deep creases, well-worn hem and sweat stains. Hendrix's sister, Janie, personally delivered the jacket to the museum earlier this year.
"Having Native American culture is really important to our family," Janie Hendrix told the Washington Post.
After Hendrix died in September of 1970, friends and family members quickly raided his New York apartment, Janie Hendrix told the Post, leaving few mementos.
"We learned later there was just a feeding frenzy," she said. "He had over 100 guitars and only a few of them came back home."
Though Hendrix's Native American background is not widely known, he was the first person inducted into the Native American Music Awards Hall of Fame, which also includes musicians Hank Williams, Crystal Gayle, Ritchie Valens and Link Wray.
One of Wray's guitars will also be on display in the Smithsonian exhibit, which will features objects, videos and music. Other musicians noted include Robbie Robertson, Rita Coolidge, Stevie Salas and the band Redbone. A concert by blues rocker
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