The Loop

Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing” – The greatest cover song ever?

This month in 1968: We first heard "Little Wing" by Jimi Hendrix

Little Wing has been covered by literally hundreds of acts, as you can quickly see by doing a search at our music partner, rdio.com.  It is one of the greatest songs ever written in my humble opinion. I've compiled a playlist of cover versions that you might not have known existed; interpretations by Steve Winwood & Eric Clapton (live), Sting, Santana, Steve Vai, Concrete Blonde and, of course, Derek & The Dominoes and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

According to Wikipedia, "The origins of "Little Wing" have been traced back to the 1966 recording of "(My Girl) She's a Fox", an R&B song which features Hendrix playing Curtis Mayfield-influenced guitar accompaniment. He developed the song while performing in New York City's Greenwich Village prior to his involvement with producer Chas Chandler. After being inspired by events at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, Hendrix completed the song in October 1967, when it was recorded by the Experience during the sessions for their second album Axis: Bold as Love."

If I missed one of your favorites, let me know below!

-Spencer