Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow; A Story of Young Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Sounds like a Rainbow; A Story of Young Jimi Hendrix by Gary Golio, illustrated by Javaka Steptoe
2011 Coretta Scott King Illustator Award

I enjoyed learning more about this legendary electric guitar player and innovator, still considered by many to be the greatest guitarist in musical history. This picture book tells about his life, growing up knocking about the city of Seattle in difficult circumstances, but drawn to art and music and wondering if he could play the sounds and colors of his world on a musical instrument. Trying first on a one string ukele in the house, and later on a $5 guitar.

Self taught, couldn't read music and rose to incredible fame in about four years time.

The pictures are cool colorful drawings/collages.

The story does not tell about his death at age 27, but there is a thoughtful afterward that does tell about the end of his young life as a result of a bad mix of prescription drugs and alcohol and gives resources for getting help and learning more about drugs and addiction. The author is a clinical social worker who has worked with lots of people on issues of substance abuse and addition.