Hard Rock
Jimi Hendrix wrote and released “Purple Haze” in 1967. Although some believe the song refers to a psychedelic experience, Hendrix claimed this was inspired by a dream where he was walking under the sea. In the dream, he said a purple haze surrounded him, engulfed him, and he became lost. It was a traumatic experience, but in his dream his faith in Jesus saved him. The chorus at one point was “Purple Haze, Jesus Saves,” but that went out in the editing process. Noel Redding was on bass and Mitch Mitchell was on drums.
The single was an international charting success, going to #3 in the UK, and #7 in Norway and Austria. It was in the top 20 in Germany and The Netherlands and #65 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The song also became the opening track on the 1967 You Are Experienced album. It is one of the most popular songs by Hendrix with its very recognizable, inventive guitar work and has been on featured on numerous compilation albums.