Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix (Experience) released on Track records, 1967, value, laminated sleeve £700; matt sleeve £350

OFTEN described as the greatest debut album in the history of rock music, an immediate success, within seven months of its release it had sold more than a million copies, featuring three hit songs, Hey Joe, Purple Haze and The Wind Cries Mary, all containing guitar work unlike anything that had been heard before. Self taught, but being left handed playing a right handed guitar, Jimi Hendrix's musical prowess was captivated to perfection on this album. He brought a new perspective to every style he chose to play, be it blues, pop or psychedelia. Some claim he was the cornerstone of what became known as heavy metal music. Undoubtedly one of music's most influential figures he gave an unparalleled vision to the art of playing the electric guitar. Despite the success of the album, Hendrix hated the design cover stating that it looked like a picture advertising a forthcoming Dracula movie. Afterwards he insisted on having total control of images for future albums.

Born in Seattle (1942-1970) he started his musical career appearing as a backing musician with stars Sam Cooke, Little Richard and The Isley Brothers. It was a chance meeting with Chas Chandler, bass guitarist with The Animals rock band, that started his future career. Chandler, who was leaving the group, became involved in managing and producing artists. After seeing Hendrix perform in a club in New York he recognised his musical ability and signed him up to his new management company. Hendrix moved to London, and with Noel Redding on bass guitar and John 'Mitch' Mitchell on drums, they became known as the Jimi Hendrix Experience.

Hendrix returned to America later in 1967. He appeared at the Monterey Pop Festival, and his performance took the crowd by storm, culminating in a sequence that saw him playing his guitar with his teeth and then burning the guitar with lighter fuel. In 1969 he headlined Woodstock finishing his performance with the Star Spangled Banner, America's national anthem. Hendrix's last appearance in the UK was at the Isle Of Wight summer festival. A month later his girlfriend Monika became alarmed when she could not wake him, an ambulance was called but he was pronounced dead on arrival; the inquest recorded an open verdict.

Hendrix left a prevailing legacy on fellow musicians of all ages. Guitarists have imitated his technique, few have mastered it, but none have reached his standard as an inspirational player.