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Throughout the song, Hendrix expresses his pain and vulnerability, lamenting the loss of his lover. The repetition of the phrase “there’s no place like home” in the chorus adds a sense of longing, emphasizing the protagonist’s desire for the comfort and familiarity of his lost relationship. “Red House” showcased Hendrix’s virtuosity as both a guitarist and vocalist. The song allowed him to demonstrate his deep understanding and mastery of the blues genre, earning him recognition as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. Its success further propelled his career and solidified his place in music history.
John Harchar

The opening song "Hear My Train A Comin'" (frequently referred to by Hendrix as "Getting My Heart Back Together Again") was recorded at Bruce Fleming Photography Studio, London, on December 19, 1967. A Hendrix original, it was from a long lost master tape of Hendrix alone playing a 12-string acoustic right-hand guitar, strung for left hand and singing in a Delta blues manner. This live studio performance was filmed for, and included in, the film See My Music Talking, and later included in the 1973 documentary Jimi Hendrix and accompanying soundtrack LP. The last song on Blues is a live version of "Hear My Train A Comin'", recorded on May 30, 1970, at the Berkeley Community Theatre, that had previously been released on the posthumous Rainbow Bridge album in 1971.
Blues (Jimi Hendrix album)
By mid-1966, Hendrix had had enough of playing the chitlin circuit behind Little Richard, Curtis Knight, Jackie Wilson, the Isley Brothers, and other touring R&B acts. These gigs required him to stay in the background and adhere to carefully arranged parts. Pay was minimal, recording opportunities sparse, and life on the road was hard, particularly in the Jim Crow South. Onstage, Hendrix was required to conform to the image of touring R&B musicians, with their slick hair, matching suits, and choreographed stage moves.
Have other artists covered “Red House”?
The blues has a way of capturing the raw emotions of life, and “Red House” is a prime example of that. They tell the story of a man who has been separated from his lover for nearly 100 days. When he finally returns to see her, he realizes something is amiss when the key won’t unlock the door. “Red House” is a testament to Hendrix’s musical genius and his ability to leave a lasting impact on the world of music. The song contributes to his legacy as a pioneering artist who pushed the boundaries of guitar playing and brought a fresh perspective to the blues genre. Hendrix’s innovative guitar techniques and powerful vocals set a new standard for blues-based rock music.
Desperately poor and running out of opportunities, he was living hand-to-mouth in New York City when a chance encounter with Chas Chandler, bassist for the Animals, led to an invitation to leave it all behind. Chandler promised Jimi that if he accompanied him to England, he could help him organize a band, score him a record deal, and – at Jimi’s specific request – introduce him to Eric Clapton. “Red House” endures as a masterpiece due to its timeless themes, soul-stirring performances, and Hendrix’s ability to convey deep emotions through his music. Its universal appeal transcends generations, allowing new listeners to connect with its profound message of heartache and hope. The live performances of “Red House” were met with great enthusiasm from audiences. Hendrix’s dynamic stage presence and electrifying guitar solos showcased his technical prowess and captivated concertgoers.
Jimi Hendrix’s “Red House”: The Story of a Song
Yes, “Red House” has been covered by numerous artists over the years, paying tribute to Hendrix and showcasing their own interpretations of the song. Notable renditions include those by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy, and Clapton. The title “Red House” refers to a place of solace and refuge, symbolizing the protagonist’s longing for a home filled with love and companionship.
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While “Red House” is a blues song at heart, it’s also deeply personal to Hendrix. In interviews, Hendrix spoke about the pain of being separated from his family and loved ones for long periods of time. He was often on the road, touring relentlessly, and this separation took a toll on him. Upon its release, Blues was met with favorable reviews and chart successes, selling over 500,000 copies in its first two years of release.
Track listing
The music itself plays a crucial role in conveying the meaning behind the song. Hendrix’s guitar work is poignant and evocative, further intensifying the emotions expressed in the lyrics. The bluesy guitar solos and soulful bends mirror the character’s anguish and heartache. Hendrix’s unique playing style, combined with his powerful vocals, creates a truly immersive experience for the listener. Wait a minute, something’s wrong.The key wont unlock the door.Wait a minute, something’s wrong, baby.The key wont unlock the door.I got a bad, bad feeling that my baby don’t live here no more. In the end, “Red House” is a powerful and emotional song that showcases everything that made Hendrix such a legendary musician.
On this version, Redding plays electric guitar tuned down to resemble a bass. Hendrix’s guitar playing in “Red House” serves as a powerful vehicle for expressing the raw emotions embedded in the lyrics. His soulful bends, bluesy solos, and intricate riffs seamlessly complement the narrative of heartbreak and longing, creating an unforgettable sonic experience.

The spontaneous and improvised nature of his live renditions contributed to the song’s allure. Hendrix’s innovative approach to the guitar has influenced generations of musicians, and “Red House” in particular has been covered by everyone from Buddy Guy to John Mayer. In “Red House,” Hendrix channels that pain and longing into a powerful song about the fear of losing the ones you love.
It represents a metaphorical sanctuary, which he hopes to find again amidst his heartache. Bob Marley gave the songwriting credit for "No Woman No Cry" to his friend Vincent Ford, who ran a soup kitchen in Trenchtown, the area of Kingston where Marley grew up. Andre 3000 played all the instruments on Outkast's "Hey Ya" except bass. Old Time Music is proud to have such a passionate and talented team of writers who share their love for music with our readers. We hope you enjoy the articles and insights they bring to our platform.
Of course, no discussion of “Red House” would be complete without mentioning Hendrix’s incredible guitar playing. Hendrix was a master of the instrument, and his playing on “Red House” is some of his best. "Red House" was first released on the British edition of Hendrix's debut album Are You Experienced in May 1967 (for the American album release, previously released Experience singles were used in its place). A second similar take was eventually released in the US in July 1969 on the American Smash Hits compilation.
Compiled by interim Hendrix producer Alan Douglas, it was released April 26, 1994, by MCA Records. The album contains eleven songs recorded by Hendrix between 1966 and 1970, six of which were previously unreleased. Hendrix wrote seven of the pieces; other writers include Muddy Waters, Booker T. Jones, and Elmore James. Most are demos, jams, and live recordings, which Hendrix may or may not have completed for release.
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