(Rock History)

Written by: Cody Denning   

Not everyone knows that Jimi Hendrix’s song “Hey Joe” was technically a cover. Hendrix’s iconic rendition of “Hey Joe” was released in 1966 as his debut single with the Jimi Hendrix Experience. The song is now is a cornerstone of rock history, but the song’s origins lie in the folk revival movement of the early 1960s. Contrary to common assumption, Hendrix did not write “Hey Joe”; it is a cover of a traditional folk ballad reinterpreted through his psychedelic lens, giving it. A touch of his very own with his one of a kind tone.

“Hey Joe” emerged during the 1960s American folk revival, a period when artists like Bob Dylan and Joan Baez were reviving traditional songs and adapting them for contemporary audiences. The song’s earliest known iteration is credited to Billy Roberts, a folk singer, who copyrighted it in 1962. Roberts’ version was a raw, acoustic blues-folk ballad about a man on the run after killing his unfaithful lover, drawing on themes common in traditional murder ballads. Its simple chord structure and narrative style made it a staple in Greenwich Village coffeehouses, where folk artists shared and reinterpreted songs.

The song’s folk roots are tied to its oral tradition-like spread. Before Hendrix, artists like The Leaves (1965) and The Byrds (1966) recorded garage rock versions, with The Leaves’ uptempo take becoming a minor hit. These covers bridged the folk original to the rock world, reflecting the revival’s influence on blending traditional storytelling with modern sounds. The folk revival’s emphasis on authenticity and emotional directness shaped “Hey Joe,” making it ripe for reinterpretation.

Jimi Hendrix, fresh in London in 1966, heard “Hey Joe” through the bustling folk-rock scene, likely inspired by Tim Rose’s slower, brooding 1966 cover, which added a dramatic edge. Hendrix’s version, produced by manager Chas Chandler, transformed the folk ballad into a proto-psychedelic anthem. His searing guitar riffs, dynamic vocal delivery, and the rhythm section’s intensity (Noel Redding on bass, Mitch Mitchell on drums) elevated the song’s real emotion into a rock classic. Released on December 16, 1966, it reached No. 6 on the UK charts, launching Hendrix’s career.

Hendrix’s “Hey Joe” retained the folk narrative but infused it with a revolutionary sound, blending blues, rock, and psychedelic elements. Music historians note that Hendrix’s cover was less about fidelity to the folk original and more about reimagining it for a new era, aligning with the folk revival’s spirit of adaptation.

The song’s journey from folk obscurity to rock immortality highlights the folk revival’s role in shaping 1960s music. Artists like Dino Valenti (who claimed authorship but lacked evidence) and Tim Rose also recorded versions, but Hendrix’s rendition overshadowed them, becoming the definitive take. Its influence persists, with covers by artists like Patti Smith and Nick Cave echoing its dark, narrative core.

Jimi Hendrix’s “Hey Joe” is a testament to the folk revival’s lasting impact, taking a traditional ballad and launching it into a new generation. Its roots in the 1960s folk scene underscore how artists like Hendrix built on shared musical heritage, transforming a gritty folk tale into a song that is passing the test of time.

That does it for this slice of rock history. Share this report to help spread the word about Soundwave Music Media and all the incredible things we are doing in the music scene. Thank you for reading!

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