Remarkable vintage sepia glossy 4.25 x 3.25 photo of Hendrix in a suit and tie playing an Epiphone Coronet guitar as a member of the band Bob Fisher and the Barnevilles, annotated on the reverse in red ink by friend and musician Larry Lee, “The Bonnervilles [sic] without Larry, Clarksville, Ten. November, 1963.” Also includes a vintage glossy 4 x 3.25 photo of several notable Memphis musicians, again annotated on the reverse by Lee, “Dec. 1963, Curries Club Tropicana, The Impressions, The Avons, Raymon Channie Mabley, Bob Fisher, Mildred (of the Dixie Bells), Sammy (horn player of the Bonnervilles [sic]).” In very good condition, with edgewear, creases and surface impressions, show-through from writing to reverse, and a few areas of scuffing and discoloration to emulsion (one line running up the right leg of Hendrix).
In the summer of 1963, Hendrix joined Lee as a member of the Barnevilles for a month-long tour supporting The Marvelettes and Curtis Mayfield and The Impressions. Without his own amplifier, Hendrix gladly used Mayfield’s high-end equipment and, eager to test the modern gear, promptly blew out the amp during an extended wailing note. He was consequently dismissed by the band. With its association to Mayfield, one of Hendrix’s major influences, this is a wonderful photo showing the legendary guitarist well before becoming a household name.
