Memo Regarding Tour Cancellation Signed by Henry Steingarten and Jimi Hendrix, September 9, 1969

This memo, signed by both Jimi Hendrix and his attorney Henry Steingarten (1905-1978), relays discussions had between the two, as well as another lawyer, Steve Weiss (1925-2008), about cancelling Hendrix’s fall 1969 tour.  

1969 was a busy year for Hendrix – constant touring and recording, the breakup of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, forming a new band and performing at the legendary Woodstock Festival. The musician was trying to figure out his path forward, and the toll of superstardom was weighing on him. The responsibility became too much, and in September of 1969, Hendrix had a discussion with his lawyers and cancelled the upcoming tour, which was set to begin on September 18, 1969, just 9 days after this memorandum was written. After informing Hendrix on the harm to his reputation and finances, Steingarten writes, “Jimi’s response was that his reputation as a musician was paramount, and inasmuch as he did not feel himself physically and mentally capable of performing satisfactorily, he felt that overshadowed his failure to appear.” 

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.