Jimi Hendrix - Little Wing - 1968
Introduction to "Little Wing" by Jimi Hendrix
"Little Wing" is a song by Jimi Hendrix, first released in 1967 on the album "Axis: Bold as Love." This track stands out as a testament to Hendrix's extraordinary skill as a guitarist and a songwriter, showcasing his ability to blend rock, blues, and elements of psychedelia. In this aiMOOC, we will delve into the rich history, musicality, and legacy of "Little Wing."
The Story Behind "Little Wing"
Jimi Hendrix composed "Little Wing" after being inspired by the Monterey Pop Festival's atmosphere. The song is notable for its concise guitar work and lyrical imagery, reflecting Hendrix's unique style. The title itself is thought to express Hendrix's view of women as being akin to angels.
Musical Composition
The song is renowned for its innovative guitar work, blending elements of rock and blues with expressive, dreamy lyrics. The guitar riff, played in a unique style, is particularly celebrated for its use of the Curtis Mayfield-influenced chord-melody style.
Legacy and Influence
Over the years, "Little Wing" has been covered by numerous artists, each bringing their own interpretation to the song. This highlights the song's significant influence on various music genres.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you should be able to:
- Understand the historical context of "Little Wing" and Jimi Hendrix's musical style.
- Analyze the lyrical themes and guitar techniques used in the song.
- Explore the song's influence on contemporary music and artists.
Interactive Tasks
Quiz: Questions on the song
What year was "Little Wing" first released? (1967) (!1969) (!1970) (!1966)
Quiz: Questions on the Performer
What festival inspired Jimi Hendrix to write "Little Wing"? (Monterey Pop Festival) (!Woodstock) (!Isle of Wight Festival) (!Altamont Free Concert)
Quiz: Questions on the lyrics
What does the title "Little Wing" symbolize in the song? (Hendrix's view of women as angel-like) (!A specific woman Hendrix knew) (!A child's imagination) (!A bird flying freely)
Memory
| 1967 | Year "Little Wing" was released |
| Monterey Pop Festival | Festival that inspired "Little Wing" |
| Curtis Mayfield | Influenced Hendrix's guitar style in "Little Wing" |
| Angel-like figures | Symbolism of "Little Wing" |
| Guitar riff | Notable feature of "Little Wing" |
Open Tasks
Easy
- Research other artists who have covered "Little Wing" and compare their versions to Hendrix's original.
- Create a drawing or painting inspired by the lyrics of "Little Wing."
Standard
- Write an essay on the influence of the Monterey Pop Festival on Hendrix's music.
- Learn to play the main riff of "Little Wing" on guitar and record a video of your performance.
Difficult
- Analyze the musical structure of "Little Wing" and its blend of different genres.
- Conduct a survey to find out how "Little Wing" is perceived by different age groups today.
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Oral Exam
- Discuss the impact of Jimi Hendrix's guitar style on modern rock music.
- Explain the significance of "Little Wing" in the context of 1960s music culture.
- Debate the role of music festivals in shaping the music of their era.
OERs on the Topic
Links
MUSIC QUIZ
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