Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix Audiobook, by Charles R. Cross Play Audiobook Sample

Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix Audiobook

Room Full of Mirrors: A Biography of Jimi Hendrix Audiobook, by Charles R. Cross Play Audiobook Sample
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Read By: Lloyd James Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 9.00 hours at 1.5x Speed 6.75 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: January 2006 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN: 9781483056357

Quick Stats About this Audiobook

Total Audiobook Chapters:

30

Longest Chapter Length:

44:04 minutes

Shortest Chapter Length:

08:35 minutes

Average Chapter Length:

27:04 minutes

Audiobooks by this Author:

3

Other Audiobooks Written by Charles R. Cross: > View All...

Publisher Description

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 three hundred interviews and never-before-seen private documents, this book recounts the entire arc of Hendrix’s life, from his troubled childhood and struggle with racial prejudice to his rapid ascent in swinging London to headlining Woodstock in 1969, with his death a year later. As colorful and large as the decade of the sixties, this biography gives the real Hendrix the immortality he deserves.

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"A well written account of how Jimi Hendrix evolved into the master guitarist known all over the world. He grew up in Seattle in a brokene home, desperately poor. He receives his first guitar at age 9 or 10 and from that point on he never stops learning his instrument, eventually becoming what many considered the best guitarist in the world. His rise to stardom was classic. He spent years on the road playing with different bands and barely making a living. Musicians appreciated his genius but it did not get him recognition or a record deal. He probably never would have been discovered if he hadn't met and become friendly with Keith Richards' (Rolling Stone guitarist) girlfriend, who brought him to England and introduced him to the right peoploe. Stardom then came quickly. He was intensely creative, writing many of the songs he performed, but also covering other artists. He loved Dylan, and Dylan is said to have loved his covers -- such as All Along the Watchtower. The Beatles, too, were early fans. The downward spiral is unfortunately predictable. It is our loss. Jimi had what seemed an endless source of inspiration and a real artists soul. I am not a huge Hendrix fan but I was intrigued and I'm glad to have listened to this book. Well read by the narrator, too."

— Irene (4 out of 5 stars)

Quotes

  • “Highly readable. 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
  • “Cross has written what he modestly calls ‘a’ biography, one by which all future biographers of the man will have to set their compasses.”

    — Times (London)
  • “A more intimate portrait than previous biographies. Funny, poignant, provocative, and sometimes disturbing.”

    — Seattle Post-Intelligencer
  • “A deep and sensitive look at the complex life of the short-lived father of acid rock…[Narrator Lloyd] James’s intensity and emotion make his reading compelling…A beautiful and unforgettable audio biography.”

    — AudioFile
  • “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

Room Full of Mirrors Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 4.3030303030303 out of 54.3030303030303 out of 54.3030303030303 out of 54.3030303030303 out of 54.3030303030303 out of 5 (4.30)
5 Stars: 12
4 Stars: 19
3 Stars: 2
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Very well written a must for any Hendrix fan "

    — terry playle, 12/28/2017
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " I liked this one. It gives an insight into Hendrix's birth up until his last hours of life. A great music bio, for his fans and non-fans. "

    — Ola, 2/16/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a well researched bio! And very informative. I heart Hendrix "

    — Jessicat, 2/13/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Meticulous research makes for a clear look at this man who became a legend in his own brief time. Cross does not employ flashy prose to bring this flashy artist to life but is able to put us there in each phase of his life so that we understand (his take on) Jimi and the prevailing atmosphere in which he found himself. Written at the perfect moment (2005) when passions and legal wrangling had mostly subsided yet many of the protagonist were still around to be interviewed, Cross is the perfect writer, a fan but never a fanatic, to write Jimi's biography. "

    — Lemar, 2/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I don't normally enjoy biographies, but this one is incredible. "

    — Karen, 2/6/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " really detailed & well written. will make you want to listen to Jimi Hendrix! "

    — Shelby, 1/31/2014
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Many intimate details of Jimi's domestic life interspersed with the music. A must read for Hendrix fans. Jimi was such a gentle soul.....misunderstood would be an understatement. "

    — Jonathan, 1/23/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Read about the life and times of Jimi Hendrix. good so far! I am done. "

    — Max, 1/15/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The music of the 60's and 70's has always been a great time in history, but almost all of it is thanks to Jimi Hendrix's legendary guitar playing. No guitarist will ever come close to matching his influence. Some may be better technical players, others better songwriters, but they all fail in comparison to the way Hendrix changed the sound of the electric guitar. A bit graphic like most biographies, Room Full of Mirrors is a deeply personal look at Hendrix's upbringing, lifestyle, and eventual tragic death. Well not the definitive biography on his character, Cross's work is entertaining and trustworthy. Anyone interested in Jimi Hendrix's life or the music of his time period should check this out. "

    — Jonathan, 1/7/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " If you don't like Jimi Hendrix, read this book anyway....You will like him once you've read it. nuff said "

    — Terry, 1/4/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I have to agree with most of these reviews. The book is rather elongated and contains a number of small details, many of which do not further the book much. However, in general, Room Full of Mirrors is an excellent account of the rather crazy life of one of the most famous guitarists of all time. "

    — Will, 1/2/2014
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " For any Hendrix fan this book was great. Lots of details about his early life, without any fluff and treated him as a musician, albeit a very gifted one. Lot's of great information I never knew. "

    — Jeff, 11/15/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Excellent read. Charles R. Cross known his shit. Extremely in depth look at Jimi's life, death and legacy. "

    — Michael, 11/12/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " READ THIS BOOK! AMAZING AMAZING AMAZING! "

    — Joe, 10/18/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " takes u back to the 60's ...well researched ...fast read "

    — Coni, 10/14/2013
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " I really liked how the author described Hendrix's past and how it shaped him towards his subsequent lifestyle and work ethic. Really good bio. "

    — Glenn, 7/25/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An amazing biography. For anyone who has any interest whatsoever in the music or life of Jimi Hendrix, this is a must read. "

    — Greg, 6/30/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " AWESOME read for any of you Hendrix fans out there! "

    — Crystal, 12/11/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Came as a gift... one of my fav musicians... the book does thorough justice to the man.... must read if you are a hendrix fan "

    — Suraj, 8/18/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " The only Hendrix biography I've read, but it seemed like a decent one. Intriguing glimpse into his musical and personal history. I never realized just how many bands and other artists he played with before getting famous. Lots of fun stories, like Jimi getting blazed with Paul McCartney haha. "

    — Tarik, 7/4/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It was a great book i liked it alot because it tells all about Jimi Hendrix and how he was in real life. "

    — Dustin, 6/6/2012
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This book I had a hard time to put down. It was filled with lots of information about him that I didn't even know. It was great to learn that he was part Canadian and had joined the army. This is a must read for anyone! "

    — Tamra, 6/5/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Well-balanced. Paints a sympathetic portrait of a sad life. Does a good job with themes of family and race. Essential piece of Seattle history! "

    — Anne, 2/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " a pretty in-depth accounting of Jimi..though he really was in the Army 101st Airborne, never did he actually do any jumps before bailing out of the service...his fragmented and dysfunctional childhood in Seattle was heartbreaking, though he was much in tune with himself and the world about him ... "

    — Andy, 1/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Started in 2005, finished in 2011. Liked it alot, just got busy with life so was delayed in finishing it. "

    — Florence, 6/5/2011
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " One of the biggest musical influences of my life! Great book."You might be listening to Jimi, but you're not hearing Jimi!" --Wesley Snipes in White Men Can't Jump. --From A Reader's Journal, by d r melbie. "

    — David, 12/6/2010
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " i think its a great book. We realize how messed up he is and how we shouldnt end up like him. "

    — Jonny, 10/27/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " I learned where the music I love so much came from, what created the inspiration for this man to do what he did so extraordinarily well. Would recommend this to any and every Hendrix fan "

    — Sergeeo0o, 7/24/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " This is a well researched bio! And very informative. I heart Hendrix "

    — Jessicat, 6/15/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " A book supposedly revealing startling facts about the guitar wonder. It was interesting but I'm not sure I'm convinced that the authors conclusions are the truth. "

    — Linda, 4/2/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " a pretty in-depth accounting of Jimi..though he really was in the Army 101st Airborne, never did he actually do any jumps before bailing out of the service...his fragmented and dysfunctional childhood in Seattle was heartbreaking, though he was much in tune with himself and the world about him ... "

    — Andy, 3/27/2010
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " It was a great book i liked it alot because it tells all about Jimi Hendrix and how he was in real life. "

    — Dustin, 3/19/2010
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Good look into Jimi's life from birth to death and what happend before and after he made it, last few chapters are a little boring but over all a good book. "

    — Rob, 2/27/2010

About Charles R. Cross

Charles R. Cross, author of the bestseller Heavier Than Heaven: A Biography of Kurt Cobain and three previous books, was editor of The Rocket, a Northwest music and entertainment magazine, from 1986–2000. He lives near Seattle, where he writes for numerous newspapers and magazines.

About Lloyd James

Lloyd James (a.k.a. Sean Pratt) has been narrating since 1996 and has recorded over six hundred audiobooks. He is a seven-time winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award and has twice been a finalist for the prestigious Audie Award. His critically acclaimed performances include Elvis in the Morning by William F. Buckley Jr. and Searching for Bobby Fischer by Fred Waitzkin, among others.