Nobody Wrote Jimi Hendrix's Name on This 1964 Record. Listen to the First Five Seconds.

TLDR;

This video recounts the story of Jimi Hendrix's early career and his contribution to the song "Mercy, Mercy" by Don Covay. During a recording session in 1964, young Hendrix, then an unknown musician, made an impression with his innovative guitar playing, which ultimately shaped the record.

• Jimi Hendrix, a 21-year-old sideman, was in a session for Don Covay's "Mercy, Mercy" but was not credited at the time.
• His unique approach to guitar introduced a new dynamic to the song's arrangement, leading to its success and future cover by the Rolling Stones.

The Unrecognized Musician [0:00]

The story begins with a depiction of a young, unknown Jimi Hendrix sitting in a Manhattan studio, where his contributions were not acknowledged. He was among musicians recording a track for Don Covay in June 1964, who struggled to find the right sound.

Don Covay's Struggles [1:40]

Don Covay, a struggling soul singer, attempted to record "Mercy, Mercy," a deeply emotional song he believed in. However, he faced challenges with his voice and the band’s timing, leading to a frustrating session filled with mistakes.

The Session and the Fill-in Guitarist [4:10]

With the regular guitarist unavailable, Covay hired Jimi Hendrix, who was initially an overlooked sideman. Hendrix listened intently during the chaotic session and added a subtle touch with his guitar playing, adhering to the instructions given by Covay.

The Breakthrough Moment [9:35]

During a break, Hendrix began to play an original guitar riff, capturing the attention of the studio engineer Saul Rabinowitz and later Don Covay. Covay recognized the potential in Hendrix's idea and decided to center the song's introduction around his guitar part, transforming the session's dynamics.

The New Arrangement [14:40]

As the band reconvened, Covay led a new approach to the arrangement: allowing Hendrix’s guitar to start the song alone, creating space for Covay's vocals. The session evolved, with each musician supporting this fresh interpretation.

The Recording of "Mercy, Mercy" [19:15]

The group successfully recorded the track, which allowed Covay's strained voice to shine through. The session culminated in a moment of realization that marked a pivotal change for all involved, particularly Hendrix, though without documentation of his contribution.

The Aftermath and Legacy [30:00]

The record gained popularity, leading to recognition for Covay while Hendrix continued to navigate his own career as an anonymous, sideman performer. Ultimately, the impactful guitar intro he created on "Mercy, Mercy" became a hallmark of the song, leading to future covers, such as the one by the Rolling Stones.

Reflection on Legacy and Recognition [36:40]

The narrative concludes with remarks on the countless session musicians whose significant contributions often went unrecognized. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration and listening, illustrating how great work requires both acknowledgment and the courage to express innovative ideas.