Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze” was released in 1967 and a few years later in 1970, he opened Electric Lady Studio in NYC. It was made specifically for Hendrix, with round windows and a machine capable of generating ambient lighting in a myriad of colors. It was meant to have a laid back feel to encourage Hendrix’s creativity, but at the same time provide a professional recording atmosphere.
Jimi spent only two and a half months recording in Electric Lady, most of which took place while the final phases of construction were still going on. After a recording/dubbing session on August 26 and an opening party later that day, he then boarded an Air India flight for London with Billy Cox, joining Mitch Mitchell to perform at the Isle of Wight Festival. Little did he know, this was the music festival that would really put him on the map.