August 8th, 1968
Dearest Dad,
Well… I know you probably wonder what happened to me ——– Well nothing good. I just quit Little Richard. He didn’t pay us for 5 ½ weeks… and you can’t live on promises when you’re on the road – So I had to cut that mess loose – And he still didn’t pay me what he owes me, which is why everything’s still messed up now – But I still have my guitar + amp and as long as I have that, no fool can keep me from living. I hope Everything and Everyone’s alright up that way… I haven’t sent word up in so long that I almost forgot our address… So now I’m starting all over again there’s a few record companies I visited that I probably could record for – I think I’ll start working toward that line because actually when you’re playing behind other people you’re still not making as big a name for yourself. But I went on the road with other people to get exposed to the public and to see how business is taking care of, and mainly, just what’s what. And after I put a record out, there’ll be a few people who know me already and can help with the sale of the record – Nowdays, people don’t want you to sing good – they want you to sing sloppy and have a good beat to your song. So that’s what angle I’m going to shoot at. That’s where the money is. So just in case about 3 or 4 months from now, you might hear a record by me which sounds Terrible, Don’t feel ashamed, just wait till the money rolls in – Because everyday, people are singing worse and worse on purpose… And the public buys more and more records –
So … I just wrote to let you know I’m still here trying to make it, although I don’t eat everyday, everything’s going alright for me – things could be worse than this – But I’m going to keep hustling and shuffling until I finally get things to happening… like they’re supposed to, for me –
Tell everyone, I said hello… Leon, Gramma, Ben + Ernie, Uncle Frank, Mary, Barbra, and so forth –
Please write soon –
It’s pretty lonely out here by myself
Best of luck + Happiness
In the future
Love
Your Son Jimmy
My address is:
Jimmy Hendrix c/o
Maurice James
Hotel America
Rm 710B
145 West 47th Street New York, NY
Letter copied from: Richard Prince’s book “American Prayer” available here.
Image source: styleandthecity
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Sounds like a good read!
Wow…as a fledgling creative, I always love to read tales from people I respect who had their moments of self-doubt and struggle. It puts everything in perspective for me, and it calms the nerves. Thank you for sharing this!
This is one of the most beautifully haunting things I have ever read. I got goosebumps while reading it. On the one the hand, there is his relentless attempt to sound upbeat and hopeful, which is contrasted with the acknowledgement that success has been elusive for him and that, even when he does get it, it may not be in the form he bargained for. All wrapped up with the most simple plea: a letter, a connection to home, to assuage the loneliness of being out on one’s own chasing one’s dreams. I think we can all identify with that sentiment. Thanks so much for sharing.
This letter made me cry.
This letter made me feel good.
Passion and love are everything in our life.
I’ll do my best to keep that fire inside me alive.
Thank you for sharing this moment with us.
I wish you the happinesse you deserve.
Ps : have you received my email and your pictures ?
OMG…really loved reading this letter..what insight into the man…I love Hendrix, reading this just added to the love affair :) This is a must purchase..thx for sharing!!
robyn
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OMGosh! I need this book. I wonder how an artist would have something that is so intimate.