New York City to Honor Jimi Hendrix with Co-Naming of West Eighth Street

On February 24, 2024, New York City will officially co-name West Eighth Street as “Jimi Hendrix Way.” This event will take place at 11 a.m. at the intersection of West Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue, near Electric Lady Studios, which Hendrix opened in 1970. The ceremony will feature speakers including Hendrix’s sister, Janie Hendrix, musician Stevie Van Zandt, and NYC District 2 Council Member Harvey Epstein.

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Janie Hendrix, who serves as president and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, has been instrumental in advocating for this co-naming. She emphasized the importance of Jimi Hendrix's legacy in education, stating, “This collaboration speaks to the heart of our mission — carrying on Jimi’s legacy through education.” The event coincides with the launch of a new educational lesson by TeachRock, titled "Jimi Hendrix: Rock’s Trailblazing Innovator and Influential Guitarist," which aims to explore Hendrix's roots in blues and R&B through exclusive archival footage and expert interviews.

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Electric Lady Studios was established after Hendrix and his manager, Michael Jeffrey, purchased the site of a former nightclub in 1968. Initially intended as a concert venue, the space was transformed into a recording studio through the influence of recording engineer Eddie Kramer and studio manager Jim Marron. The studio officially opened on August 26, 1970, with a grand-opening party attended by notable musicians such as Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Ron Wood, and Patti Smith. Tragically, Hendrix passed away just weeks later, on September 18, 1970, having recorded only a limited amount of music at the studio.

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Since its inception, Electric Lady Studios has become a significant site in music history, hosting recording sessions for a wide array of artists, including the Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift. The studio's rich legacy continues to influence new generations of musicians and artists.

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Stevie Van Zandt expressed the transformative impact of Hendrix's artistry, stating, “Jimi Hendrix didn’t just play guitar — he reimagined what art could be.” He highlighted the mission of TeachRock to inspire students through Hendrix's story, emphasizing that “creativity has no limits.”

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While the co-naming has been largely celebrated, some local residents have expressed concerns regarding traffic disruptions and the commercialization of cultural landmarks. However, these dissenting views have not significantly impacted the planned ceremony.

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• “This collaboration speaks to the heart of our mission — carrying on Jimi’s legacy through education,” — Janie Hendrix, President and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC

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• “Jimi Hendrix didn’t just play guitar — he reimagined what art could be,” — Stevie Van Zandt, Musician and Activist

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The co-naming of West Eighth Street as “Jimi Hendrix Way.” serves as a tribute to the artist's enduring influence on music and culture, while also aiming to educate future generations about his legacy.

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