John McLaughlin

A fusion pioneer who shared a legendary six-hour jam session with Jimi Hendrix in 1969.

John McLaughlin is an English guitarist and composer born on 4 January 1942, recognized as a pioneer of jazz fusion who blends rock, world music, Western classical, flamenco, and blues. While he never formally joined Jimi Hendrix's band, their paths crossed significantly in the late 1960s London scene. A recording from the Record Plant in New York City on 25 March 1969 captures McLaughlin jamming with Hendrix for six hours straight. McLaughlin recalled this as a wonderful experience where he played acoustic flat-top guitar while Hendrix used electric, noting that if Hendrix had lived longer, he would have employed synthesizers and orchestras alongside his instruments.

Quick Facts

Born

4 January 1942

Birthplace

Doncaster, West Riding of Yorkshire, England

Genre

Jazz fusion
world fusion
progressive rock
psychedelic rock

Occupations

Musician, songwriter

Instruments

Guitar, piano

Years active

1963–present

Label

Douglas
Columbia
Verve
Warner Bros.
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Lore & Background

The connection between McLaughlin and Hendrix centers on an extended improvisation recorded at the Record Plant, NYC, dated 25 March 1969. McLaughlin described the event as a jam session lasting from 2 until 8 in the morning. He played an acoustic flat-top guitar with a pickup, while Hendrix played electric. This specific interaction highlighted their shared musical language despite different primary styles. McLaughlin later reflected on what Hendrix might have achieved had he survived, suggesting the guitarist would have utilized every available tool, including acoustic guitars, synthesizers, orchestras, and voices. This session stands as a rare documented moment where two of the era's most innovative guitarists tested the limits of feedback and harmony outside their main bands.

Reader's Guide

To understand McLaughlin's relationship with Hendrix, one must look at their shared timeline in London during the early 1960s before McLaughlin's move to America. Both were active in the same musical circles, though they operated in different genres; McLaughlin was exploring jazz and blues while Hendrix defined rock. The pivotal moment occurred after McLaughlin relocated to the U.S., where a specific jam session on 25 March 1969 documented their collaboration. Fans should note that this was not a formal recording for an album but a live capture of two masters trading ideas. McLaughlin's recollection serves as the primary source, detailing his use of acoustic guitar against Hendrix's electric rig. This event illustrates how McLaughlin viewed Hendrix not just as a rock star, but as a musician capable of expanding into orchestral and synthesizer realms if given the chance.