In 1969 Jimi Hendrix formed ‘Gypsy Sun and Rainbow’ after dis-banding ‘The Experience,’ and closed the Woodstock festival following 2 nights of torrential rain, which delayed their historic performance ‘till the following morning.

JIMI

Through the distant sound of thunder

Threatening late August sun.

A mass of biblical proportion

Went looking for the chosen one.

Leaving sunlit towns and cities

Bleached and barren hard terrain.

Heading North to Yasgur’s Farm; and

Days and nights of endless rain.

 

Down the back roads, creeks, and valleys

Singing songs the driver played.

A restless, searching generation

Symbol of a dying decade.

 

A Band of Gypsy’s waited at a Caravanserai

While down below the stage was set

Under a leaden sky.

 

Muted cloud breaks muddy water

Through heavy weather night-time fade.

On blackened hillside now exposed                                                               

Morning glory for those who stayed.

 

Gypsy Sun and Rainbow gleaming

Illuminating ephemeral notes.

Red Bandana’d Buffalo Soldier

Beaded necklace ‘round his throat.

 

A mythical child born of voodoo

Blazing through the stratosphere.

Apocalyptic witches brew

Simmered in the atmosphere.

 

Like a Shaman casting spells

Moccasin shoed and buckskin fringed.

Sonic-sunrise troubadour

Discordant blues when Jimi sings.

 

Channelling Apache warrior

No sound like this was ever made.

Turning STAR SPANGLED BANNER

Into nightmare serenade.