Billy Cox

The only living musician to have regularly played with Jimi Hendrix from army days to Woodstock and beyond.

Billy Cox (born October 18, 1941) is an American bassist best known for his lifelong partnership with Jimi Hendrix. He remains the only living musician to have regularly played with Hendrix across four distinct eras: their time in the Army, the 1969 interim group Gypsy Sun and Rainbows at Woodstock, the trio with Buddy Miles that recorded Band of Gypsys, and the Cry of Love Tour with Mitch Mitchell. Beyond these legendary collaborations, Cox has performed with icons like Little Richard and Etta James. He continues to tour today with the Experience Hendrix Tour and his own Band of Gypsys Experience, ensuring the music endures.

Quick Facts

Born

18 October 1941

Birthplace

Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.

Genre

R&B; rock

Occupation

Musician

Instrument

Bass guitar; vocals

Years active

1961–present

Label

Reprise
Legacy
Capitol
MCA
Sony
Dagger
Pye
Polydor

Lore & Background

Cox met Hendrix in 1961 while serving at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Their friendship sparked when Cox heard Hendrix playing guitar inside Service Club No. 1 during a sudden rainstorm; impressed, he introduced himself as a bassist, and they began jamming immediately. After leaving the military together, they played clubs around Clarksville, Tennessee, forming the King Kasuals at the Del Morocco and touring the Chitlin' Circuit as far north as Indianapolis. When Hendrix moved to New York City and was discovered by Chas Chandler, he called Cox to join him. However, Cox declined due to having only three strings on his bass and no money for travel. Years later, in 1969, Hendrix reconnected with Cox before Noel Redding left the Experience, bringing him into the studio and eventually forming Gypsy Sun and Rainbows for Woodstock.

Reader's Guide

Cox's career is marked by deep roots in R&B and a unique longevity with Hendrix. In addition to his work with Jimi, he has been a member of house bands or recorded sessions for Sam Cooke, Slim Harpo, Joe Simon, Charlie Daniels, John McLaughlin, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Lou Rawls, Etta James, Jackie Wilson, and Little Richard. He released his solo album Nitro Function in 1971 with Char Vinnedge and Robert Tarrant. His discography includes collaborations like The Band of Gypsys Return (2006) with Buddy Miles and guest appearances on albums by Bruce Cameron and Gov't Mule. Cox has co-authored books such as Jimi Hendrix Sessions and Ultimate Hendrix, produced blues and gospel shows, and received the Founders Award from Paul Allen in 2010. He was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame (2009), West Virginia Music Hall of Fame (2011), and Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame (June 23, 2019) alongside Hendrix and Miles.

Did You Know?

Cox declined an invitation to join Hendrix in New York City in 1966 because he had no money for travel and only three strings on his bass.
Cox played on some posthumous albums like The Cry of Love (1971) and Rainbow Bridge (1971), but many bass parts on War Heroes (1972) and Loose Ends (1974) were performed by other musicians.
In 2004, Cox reunited with Buddy Miles to re-record Band of Gypsys songs for the album The Band of Gypsys Return, released in 2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Billy Cox first meet Jimi Hendrix?

The two men originally met as fellow soldiers stationed together at Fort Campbell in Kentucky during their Army service in 1961. This military connection laid the foundation for a friendship and musical partnership that would last decades.

Is Billy Cox still performing today?

Yes, Cox continues to tour actively, both as a member of the Experience Hendrix Tour celebrating Jimi's legacy and leading his own Band of Gypsys tribute shows. He remains a vital link to preserving the authentic sound of Hendrix's later years.