39 Years Ago, I Bought My First Album — and It Was a Great One!

Thirty-nine years ago I was at a friend's house when he put on an album by a band called The Jimi Hendrix Experience. I had never heard of them, but I was totally captivated by this record. I wasn't the only one -- the album was an immediate critical and commercial success.

"Are You Experienced" set a new direction in psychedelic rock music. It was widely-regarded as one of the greatest debuts in rock music history.

The album, released in May of 1967 included three top ten Billboard hits -- "Hey Joe," "Purple Haze" and "The Wind Cries Mary."

Released on Reprise Records, four songs from the album -- including the three I just mentioned plus "Foxy Lady" -- all made Rolling Stone Magazine's Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. So, I guess my first album purchase was not only a good one, but a great one. By the way, it retailed for $4.50.