“And Send My Love to Kathy” Handwritten Poem by Jimi Hendrix to Catharina Koch, 1968

This manuscript, handwritten by Jimi Hendrix circa 1969 across two paper sheets, is an unpublished poem or lyrics for a song that was never recorded. Given the title, “And Send My Love to Kathy,” it is likely referring to Catharina Koch, who met Jimi Hendrix at the Park Avenue Hotel in Gothenburg in September 1967 during the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s tour of Sweden, remaining close through late 1968. Catherina is also mentioned in Hendrix’s handwritten lyrics for “My Angel Catherina (Return of Little Wing)” and in Hendrix’s 1968 diary, both in MoPOP’s permanent collection. 

The back side of the first sheet seems to be an unrelated poem or lyrics, titled, “Negative Nellie episode: Chapt. 15.” 

Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter who gained mainstream prominence in the late 1960s with hits such as “Hey Joe,” “Purple Haze,” “All Along the Watchtower,” and “Fire,” and is now celebrated as one of the most influential electric guitarists of all time.