Room Full of Mirrors

A Biography of Jimi Hendrix

By: Charles R. Cross

Narrated by: Lloyd James

Length: 13 hrs and 30 mins

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

Critic reviews

"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)

Outstanding

This was a wonderfully written and narrated book. I wasn't expecting much, thinking that there are many mediocre rock star bios around, and this would likely be another, but it was excellent. I actually paused it a few times because I didn't want it to end. It's about Jimi the person, and provides a very engaging account of how he got to where he did, and of his trying to navigate stardom when he arrived. I didn't know much about his personal life, but it was sad to read of all the sycophants surrounding him, and it made me think a lot about what it is to feel trapped, as Jimi did near the end of his life when he couldn't see a path out of doing what everyone expected of him. It made me think too of how important parents are--Jimi's were neglectful, and I suspect he might still be with us if someone had provided him some better tools for living. The narration was perfect. Best of all, it's had me revisiting his great music again.

A Must Read

Full of trivia and amazing detail. Could not stop listening to it. Best Bio I've ever read.

Stand-out bio on Hendrix

A solid biography, well-researched and objective. The authors focuses his attention on Jimi's life and his relationships with family, friends, lovers and business associates. He places less emphasis on Jimi's music, which is not necessarily a bad decision as there are so many books and articles dedicated to his otherworldly guitar playing. The narrator, while perfectly serviceable, was a bit too level in his reading for me. While I don't appreciate narrators who go the other way and try to make themselves the star of the book, Room Full of Mirrors could have benefited from a reading that conveyed some of the drama of Jimi's life. Still, it's a minor criticism and I would not hesitate to recommend the book to fans of Hendrix.

well told Bio

very well told and entertaining as well. really spoke to Hendrix mental health in truth

It turn Will turn "Jimi Hendix" into James

This is an amazing book! If you're interested in music or Jimi Hendix, this is a must! Charles R. Cross personalize his subjects, as with the case with Kurt Cobain. Jimi"s life was amazing interesting but ultimately sad and bittersweet . This is due Jimi's talent being bittersweet when combined with his early life and up bring . In the end you'll wish for his happiness, but know the damage of his upbringing will ruined him. Amazing book on a true artist and one of the most talented guitarist of all time.

Good details

Filled with facts and details of the legendary guitar player Jimi Hendrix. Informative and worth reading if you’re a fan.

A sad, mad life of a lost genius

I have a whole new perspective of this troubled young man who wanted mainly one thing, to play his instrument. Well researched and narrated.

It's a must read for any Hendrix fan

It was in a short paragraph, a must read or listen I should say for any Hendrix fan. It's tough at the end as such as most famous musicians are now passed on, but so is life. Life is only temporary but we must embrace the little time we have. Embrace Hendrix and find your niche in life and give it everything you have, tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. 👏👏👏👏✌️

This was worth a buy...

... just to hear story about the 'clowns'!
It took me many minutes to stop laughing!

Bravo!!!!! Must buy

This author has much to be proud of. He was objective and in depth in his story telling.As a black man, I am guilty of dismissing Hendrix as being "not black enough" because he played rock and not the more popular African American genres of music. I was in error! Hendrix was a wonderful spirit! Thank You to the parties that contributed to this book. I listened to the entire book in a week. I was moved. A+++++++.