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  • Room Full of Mirrors

  • A Biography of Jimi Hendrix
  • Written by: Charles R. Cross
  • Narrated by: Lloyd James
  • Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (80 ratings)

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Room Full of Mirrors

Written by: Charles R. Cross
Narrated by: Lloyd James
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Publisher's Summary

For many, the name Jimi Hendrix conjures up a larger-than-life image of the man who set fire to guitars, women's hearts, and the status quo. In this groundbreaking account, music journalist Charles R. Cross takes a far deeper look. Beyond Hendrix's legendary onstage and offstage magnetism, and his excessive lifestyle, was a man who struggled to accept his role as an idol and privately craved the kind of normal family life he never had.

Based on more than 300 interviews and never-before-seen private documents, this audiobook recounts the entire arc of Hendrix's life, from his troubled childhood and struggle with racial prejudice to his rapid ascent in swinging London, his headlining at Woodstock in 1969, and his death a year later. As colorful and large as the decade of the 60s, this biography gives the real Hendrix the immortality he deserves.

©2005 Charles R. Cross (P)2006 Blackstone Audio Inc
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What the critics say

"Cross' detailed, engrossing book makes the memory of Hendrix even stronger." (New York Times)
"One of the best biographies to date....Admirably comprehensive and well referenced, this is the Hendrix biography to acquire if you can acquire only one." (Booklist)
"An excellent portrait, probably unbeatable both for its moving depiction of his youth and thrilling rise to fame and for its myth-busting finality." (Los Angeles Times)

What listeners say about Room Full of Mirrors

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story!

I did know much about Jimi and felt this story did a great job going through the various accounts from different people to try and get the most accurate story.
Great listen!!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Strikingly Honest

Seattle Music Journalist Charles R. Cross demonstrates punctilious research - combing through school records, military documents, letters, published interviews, and countless books by Jimi's friends & relatives - to put together the best book about a true legend that I have encountered to date.
Don't get me wrong.. the book is certainly imperfect: the writing is merely "capable" and the author sticks religiously to a strightforward chronological matrix, for example.. but he isn't afraid to call "Bullsh*t" where he can't confirm claims.
Cross is willing to confront Jimi's promiscuity/use of women, drug abuse, and spiteful temper - while still getting across the man's overall gentle nature, empathy-inducing demeanor, obstinate "counter-culture" attitude, and obsession with his art. I feel like I can recognize the human being in Jimi Hendrix after reading/listening to this book.

Narrator Lloyd James helps with my high rating for this audiobook. To be certain, he reads with a noticeable monotone at times (it's occasionally quite clear that he's sitting in front of a microphone reading text) but James's diction, timbre, cadence, and pacing is peerless. This audiobook version of the book is doubtless superior to what a paper or eBook iteration would be (given a choice between the two.. take this one).

I am most grateful to Audible for offering this recording as a 'Plus' selection.. because this 9.5/10 star product would easily rate a Credit if they asked for it.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Not the best editing

At times, during the narration, one could hear the editing with the difference in voice sounds. Otherwise, a fine story I never heard much of.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

fantastic

I really enjoyed this book. An deep dive into Jimi's complex life. Great narration.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

A nice, different perspective.

I learn a few more things about Jimi and his professional life. At the time of his passing, he was no longer successful. He was overcome with addiction and his fanbase had grown tired of him. He sold less albums than The Doors. It wasn’t until the release of CDs and the hard work of his estate that he became the legend we know him as today.

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