Jimi Hendrix's Legacy Gets Stamp of Approval -- U.S. Postal Service Honors Him With Commemorative Forever Stamp

Washington, DC — The U.S. Postal Service is honoring rock legend Jimi Hendrix with a commemorative Forever stamp that was created and designed by artist Rudy Gutierrez. The design resembles a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve, and references the butterflies from Hendrix’s hit song Little Wing. In the colorful design, Hendrix himself is wearing one of his signature military jackets, and soulfully playing one of his guitars.

Gutierrez commented, “The technical challenge was making art that will still read at stamp size, so it was a matter of not being overly complicated. It was important to make the art accessible… and to be true to the incredible combination of rawness and virtuosity that was Jimi Hendrix.”

Hendrix is not the only legendary entertainer to have his own stamp. Others include Ray Charles, Johnny Cash, and Lydia Mendoza. According to the USPS, funk singer James Brown and also Janis Joplin are next to be added into the series.

The Jimi Hendrix Forever stamp will be officially released on Thursday, March 13th at the infamous South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas. Celebrities including Slash, Doors guitarist Robby Krieger and Perry Farrell of Jane’s Addiction, will be there to join in the celebration.

Afterwards, the stamp will sell for 49 cents at all post office locations nationwide. It will also be available for purchase on the U.S. Postal Service website and on eBay. For more details, visit www.usps.com