On this day in music history: January 11, 1967 - The Jimi Hendrix Experience begin recording “Purple Haze” at De Lane Lea Studios in London, UK. The final overdubs and mix are completed three weeks later on February 3, 1967 at Olympic Studios. Written by Jimi Hendrix, it is the guitarists’ second single release in both the UK and US. Hendrix comes up with the main riff for the song while jamming backstage before a gig at the Upper Cut Club on Boxing Day 1966. His producer and manager Chas Chandler suggests that he write lyrics to go along with the riff. Produced by Chandler, the song is included on Hendrix’s debut album “Are You Experienced”. The single is released in the UK on March 17, 1967, peaking at #3. Its US release is on June 19, 1967, peaking at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100 on October 14, 1967. One the virtuoso guitarists’ signature songs, “Purple Haze” becomes one of the songs that come to define psychedelic rock, and is one of his most popular and widely covered compositions. Artists as diverse as Dion, The Cure and the Kronos Quartet have  recorded versions of the song. The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s original recording of  "Purple Haze" is inducted into the Grammy Hall Of Fame in 2000.

Bought this when it came out (of course) this single meant a great deal to me and proof if any were needed that something was going on . . . I may not have fully understood what exactly was going on at 14 when it was released [UK March 17, 1967] but it didn't take me long! (some might say you have been in a purple haze ever since! ED . . . . .shut up!)

thanks to the most excellent Jeff Harris' blog 'Behind The Grooves