This audio piece, “Jimi Sounds Like a Rainbow: Hendrix for Kids,” drew me in because the title put an intriguing spin on a tried-and-true profile subject who I’m already interested in. Jimi Hendrix’s music is rarely approached from this angle, but the National Public Radio staff got in touch with the author, Gary Golio, of a book interpreting Hendrix’s life and music in a kid-friendly way, allowing him to explain what children can learn from Hendrix. It was a very unique piece and I enjoyed listening to the author’s perspectives. The author said Hendrix’s mother died when he was 15, and Golio discussed the impact that tragedy had on his childhood and ultimately his music. He said many of the less typical Hendrix songs were based on events that left a drastic impression on him during his childhood and exemplify the values that our children should be learning. The author focuses on the fact that Hendrix dreamed from early on in his childhood of being a rock musician, but many young children today whom he’s spoken to said they don’t know what they want to be when they grow up. Golio found that response troubling, and decided to present the story of Hendrix’s life through a child-friendly story, using pictures and simplified a story structure to relay his ideas. He said he became “a detective” as he researched Hendrix’s life and music influences for the book, and it was interesting to get the inside scoop of his motives for writing such an unexpected book. I really liked this piece because Golio's soothing voice somehow held me captive while he talked about the rock legend’s legacy that’s relevant for people of all ages.
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