"Jimi Hendrix Way": NYC to Honor Guitar Legend with Street Co-Naming
New York City will co-name a block of West Eighth Street as "Jimi Hendrix Way" on February 24th, honoring the legendary guitarist and his iconic Electric Lady Studios.
The block of West Eighth Street, home to Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios, will soon bear a new name. Expect some traffic in Greenwich Village later this month, as the City of New York officially co-names West Eighth Street “Jimi Hendrix Way.” The sign will mark the section of Eighth Street where Electric Lady Studios, the recording studio Hendrix opened in 1970, is located. The unveiling ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. on February 24th at the corner of West Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue.
Speakers at the event will include Hendrix’s sister, Janie Hendrix, musician Stevie Van Zandt, and NYC District 2 Council Member Harvey Epstein. Janie Hendrix, president and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, spearheaded the co-naming initiative alongside Van Zandt, representing his TeachRock nonprofit educational initiative, and writer Jeff Slate.
TeachRock is launching a new lesson, Jimi Hendrix: Rock’s Trailblazing Innovator and Influential Guitarist, which delves into the late artist’s blues and R&B roots, timed for the occasion. The lesson incorporates exclusive archival footage from Experience Hendrix and expert interviews.
“This collaboration speaks to the heart of our mission — carrying on Jimi’s legacy through education,” Janie said in a statement. “His music is a powerful gateway for young minds to connect with history, creativity, and their own potential.”
Van Zandt added, “Jimi Hendrix didn’t just play guitar — he reimagined what art could be. 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.”
Hendrix and his manager, Michael Jeffrey, acquired the site of a former nightclub on West Eighth Street in 1968, initially planning to open a concert venue. However, recording engineer Eddie Kramer and studio manager Jim Marron persuaded Hendrix to transform the space into a studio. Electric Lady Studios opened on August 26, 1970, with a grand opening party attended by Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Ron Wood, and Patti Smith, Tragically, Hendrix passed away just weeks later, on September 18th, having barely recorded at the studio. Since then, Electric Lady has hosted sessions by a constellation of stars, including the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Smith, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift.
Related Articles
- Unheard John Coltrane Recordings from the 'Tiberi Tapes' to Finally See Release
- Chuck D Responds to Gene Simmons' Controversial Rock Hall of Fame Comments
- Mama Cass Biopic Starring Jessica Gunning Aims to Set the Record Straight
Related Articles
Listen to Jimi Hendrix on Foxsoundi. Click here to listen!
Comments (0)
Login to comment