Hendrix was widely regarded as the best R&B guitar player on the chitlin’ circuit, but his style of playing wasn’t always the best fit for his more famous employers. He grew tired of playing other people’s music. After leaving Little Richard’s band in 1965, he formed his own band, Jimmy James and The Blue Flames. From the fall of ’65 through mid ’66, Hendrix played gigs in Greenwich Village at many venues, most notably the infamous Cafe Wha? During a performance there in July of 1966, Hendrix caught the eye of Animals bassist Chas Chandler. At the time, Chandler was in the process of leaving the Animals to become a manager and record producer. He had gone to this performance on the recommendation of Linda Keith, who at the time was Keith Richards’ girlfriend. He was mesmerized by Hendrix’s performance and eventually introduced himself. The two conversed and Chandler was convinced that Hendrix could change the face of music in England. He saw Hendrix perform again in September of the same year and became his manager by offering the promise that he could get him an introduction to his hero, Eric Clapton.

Upon Hendrix’s arrival in London, the plan was to find him a band and change the spelling of his name to “Jimi.” After several auditions, Hendrix and Chandler finally settled on bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell. Hendrix also had his promise from Chandler fulfilled. He got to meet Clapton. After a few performances, word had traveled around about Hendrix. At a Cream performance, he asked Clapton if he could join him onstage. Clapton agreed. Hendrix proceeded to burst into a life-changing version of Howlin’ Wolf’s ”Killing Floor.” After a few minutes, Clapton realized he couldn’t hang with Hendrix and promptly stormed off the stage. "You didn't tell me he was this fucking good,” Clapton told Chandler.