The genius we never understood... The man we never knew... The truth we never heard... The music we never forgot... A revealing portrait of a legend, as described by loved ones and a trusted friend. Resonating with the immediate presence and with Hendrix's own words, this book is the powerful story of a young black man who overcame his poor background and the racial segregation of the sixties and transformed himself into something rare and special. Sharon Lawrence was a treasured friend in during the last three years of Hendrix's life - a person he trusted enough to be open with. Based on their extensive conversations, most of which have never been published before, this vivid biography allows us to see Jimi's life through his own eyes as he describes his harsh childhood, his early struggle to become a musician, and his joy in being recognized first in Britain and then America. He talks about his love of music, his disillusionment with the recording industry, and his despair at the legal problems that are plaguing him. Including essential information from more than fifty fresh sources that have not previously been cited, this book is also a revealing investigation into the events surrounding Jimi's tragically early death and what happened to his legacy in the thirty-five years that followed. "I can imagine the day when everything material will be taken out of me, and then the stronger my soul will be." - Jimi Hendrix, Summer 1969. "A compelling, controversial read" - Mojo "A great read, this is the fascinating tale of a man with magic fingers... who deserved so much more out of life." — Sunday Express "Lawrence seeks to set the record straight and restore Hendrix's true legacy.... By correcting the lies and preserving the facts, Lawrence's book becomes a necessary addition to the Hendrix bibliography." — Chicago Tiribune "Lawrence... provides an insider's insight into the late sixties and early seventies. Best of all are Hendrix's direct memories... which reveal the human side of the musical Messiah." - Library Journal "A heartbreaking story...a groundbreaking work" - Montreal Gazette "Lawrence's close ties to the musician and her well-written narrative make this book a welcome addition to the Hendrix canon." —Publishers Weekly