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Purple Haze

"Purple Haze" is a 1967 song written by Jimi Hendrix and released by the Jimi Hendrix Experience as a single.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

"Purple Haze" is a 1967 song written by Jimi Hendrix and released by the Jimi Hendrix Experience as a single. It became one of Hendrix's best-known songs and is widely associated with psychedelic rock, while Hendrix himself described it as a love song.

Background and release

"Purple Haze" was recorded and released in 1967 by the Jimi Hendrix Experience. It appeared as a single in the United Kingdom on 17 March 1967 and later as the opening track on the North American release of the band's debut album, Are You Experienced.

Musical style

The song is known for Hendrix's distinctive guitar approach, including the Hendrix chord and experimental sound processing. Its mix of blues, modal, and psychedelic elements helped define Hendrix's style and is often noted for blending blues and Eastern-influenced sounds.

Lyrics and interpretation

The lyrics have long been interpreted as referring to a psychedelic experience or altered state. Hendrix, however, described the song as a love song, leaving its meaning open to interpretation despite widespread associations with psychedelic rock.

Legacy

"Purple Haze" became one of Hendrix's signature songs and a major example of 1960s psychedelic rock. It has remained a staple on Hendrix compilation albums and in discussions of influential guitar songs, regarded as one of his best-known recordings.

Key facts

  • "Purple Haze" was written by Jimi Hendrix and released as the second single by the Jimi Hendrix Experience in March 1967.
  • The song opens the North American edition of the band's debut album, Are You Experienced.
  • Its guitar work is noted for Hendrix's signature chord and a blend of blues and Eastern-influenced sounds.
  • Listeners often interpret the lyrics as psychedelic, but Hendrix said the song was a love song.
  • "Purple Haze" is widely regarded as one of Hendrix's best-known recordings and appears on many compilation albums.

Frequently asked questions

Who wrote "Purple Haze"?
Jimi Hendrix wrote "Purple Haze".
When was "Purple Haze" released?
It was released as a single on 17 March 1967 in the United Kingdom.
What album is "Purple Haze" on?
It appears on Are You Experienced, including as the opening track on the North American edition.
What genre is "Purple Haze"?
It is generally described as psychedelic rock, with blues-rock elements.
What did Jimi Hendrix say the song was about?
Hendrix described it as a love song, even though many listeners interpret it as psychedelic.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purple_Haze
    Supports: Song writer, release date, album placement, stylistic description, and Hendrix's own explanation of the song.
  2. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2000/09/18/1088122/jimi-hendrix-purple-haze
    Supports: Release context and early chart success.