Officially known as the Electric Lady Studio Guitar but more often referred to as the Jimi Hendrix Statue, a life-size bronze sculpture of Jimi Hendrix is located at the intersection of Broadway and Pine Street in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle, Washington. Like other statues that depict a famous resident of the area, the Jimi Hendrix Statue has been able to create engagement for both residents and visitors while transforming what would otherwise be just another city block into something much more.
Installed in a Veil of “Purple Haze”
Jimi Hendrix is one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century. Born in Seattle in 1942, he would go on to become one of the most influential electric guitarists in history and was the recipient of several music awards. He died in 1970, after only a few years of mainstream notoriety.
Named after the Electric Lady Studios that Hendrix first commissioned in 1968, the Electric Lady Studio Guitar was installed in 1997 in a veil of “purple haze” (colored smoke) that references one of Hendrix’s most famous songs. Created by artist Daryl Smith, the bronze statue depicts a life-sized version of Hendrix shredding on his guitar while on his knees.
Often covered with various articles of clothing, like neckties or Christmas decorations, the piece compels engagement from residents and visitors alike. The sculpture is featured in various maps and guides to the city and included on lists of African American Heritage Sites in Seattle.
A music-focused business used to reside right behind the statue, and while that business and others have changed over the years, all of the businesses in the surrounding neighborhood have been able to benefit from the additional interest and activity that the Jimi Hendrix Statue continues to generate. This interest highlights the power monuments have to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.
A Part of the Capitol Hill Community
There have been many attempts over the years to move the Jimi Hendrix Statue but all of them have failed on account of how the statue has become a true part of the community. This transformation highlights how monuments can create engagement and opportunity that attracts attention in a positive manner.
