Jimi Hendrix is acknowledged by just about everyone to be one of the three or four most gifted players to ever pick up an electric guitar, but his way with words also sets Hendrix apart from others. One of his most poignant and poetic songs was written after very unpleasant dinner with his girlfriend. Kathy Etchingham recently granted an interview to Witness, a BBC World Service program, in which she related the story behind The Wind Cries Mary. It seems Jimi was moved to write the lyrics after Hendrix made disparaging remarks about the lumpy mashed potatoes she prepared for dinner one night. She ended up walking out on the guitarist and, when she returned, was greeted by the new song.
BBC.co.uk
