New Book On Jimi Hendrix Reveals His Lost Archives

Black Gold: The Lost Archives of Jimi Hendrix is the first comprehensive biography to authenticate the lost sessions, previously unknown recorded collaborations, and rare film and video documents of one of the most innovative and influential rock guitarists in music history.

For Immediate Release
Contact Lee Wiggins: Lwiggins@watsonguptill.com
Black Gold: The Lost Archives of Jimi Hendrix is the first comprehensive biography to authenticate the lost sessions, previously unknown recorded collaborations, and rare film and video documents of one of the most innovative and influential rock guitarists in music history.

Author Steven Roby sifts through a wealth of unreleased and commercially unavailable studio, live, and home recordings to chronicle every stage of Hendrix's career--from his early tours and recordings with Little Richard, the Isley Brothers, and Curtis Knight to jam sessions with Janis Joplin, Frank Zappa, and Stephen Stills. Each entry reveals whether the event was documented and if it is available. In several tragic instances, the recordings are lost forever.

By examining how Hendrix's fame was created and exploited, Roby counters many misperceptions surrounding the legend, finally setting the record straight. The book offers the first full analysis of First Rays of the New Rising Sun, his unfinished album; discusses Black Gold, an unreleased autobiographical musical suite that has been in storage for thirty years; and speculates on Hendrixs unfinished compositions, such as "Scorpio Woman," a twenty-four-minute piece recorded only weeks before his death and never released.

Black Gold also uncovers the stories behind little-known and forgotten work by Hendrix, including his participation in the recording of Don Covay and the Goodtimers Mercy, Mercy," a Top 40 hit in 1964, and his proposed collaboration with Quincy Jones. Plus, it
explores Hendrixs journeys into jazz with Miles Davis, John McLaughlin, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk; his excursions into blues with B.B. King, Johnny Winter, and Buddy Guy; and his backing of early rap pioneers the Last Poets.

In addition, information gleaned from exclusive interviews with people who knew him well--Al Hendrix, Carlos Santana, John McLaughlin, Kathy Etchingham (his lover and close companion), and many others—illuminates the personal and public sides of this musical icon. A comprehensive filmography provides a wealth of information on all of Hendrix's filmed performances; 42 photos, including several rare and many never-before-published shots, complete this exceptionally comprehensive book.

Black Gold is essential reading for every true Hendrix aficionado.

Steven Roby, editor and publisher of Straight Ahead: The International Jimi Hendrix Magazine from 1989 to 1996, has worked with Experience Hendrix, the Hendrix familys corporation, as the editor of the companys magazine and a contributor to its Web site. His articles and interviews have appeared in Straight Ahead, Experience Hendrix, and Goldmine. From 1979 through 1997, Roby produced annual radio tributes to Jimi Hendrix. He has also produced and promoted two live Hendrix tribute concerts. He currently resides in the San Francisco Bay Area.

288 pages. 7 x 9 1/8 inches (17.8 x 23.2 cm). 42 black-and-white illustrations. Filmography. Bibliography. Index.

Billboard Books
An imprint of Watson-Guptill Publications
A division of VNU Business Media, Inc.
770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003
www.watsonguptill.com