Jimi Hendrix and Philosophy: Experience Required

The Popular Culture and Philosophy series has explored everything from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and Deadpool to The Princess Bride and Doctor Who, all in the interest of promoting philosophical ideas through the lens of modern pop culture. Most of the time, they’re interesting, if a bit one-note. After all, how many times can you reference Nietzsche and nihilism before it all starts to run together?

Thankfully, Jimi Hendrix and Philosophy feels like a creative renaissance for the series. Not only do the philosophical discussions cover many of his songs, his life, and his singular style of guitar-playing (and guitar-burning), but diversions into the fields of law and art really make it feel like the essays featured explore Jimi’s life and legacy in a more meaningful, eclectic, engaging fashion. (The article entitled “Did Jimi Play Rock?” is a particular treat for both music fans and those who thoroughly enjoy splitting hairs.)

This sampler of different topics allows you to cleanse your palate between super-servings of philosophy, adding to the weight of Jimi’s accomplishments. Jimi Hendrix and Philosophy is everything the series should aspire to, while still honoring its subject with grace and integrity.