US Senate Approves Renton Post Office To Change Names

A bill sponsored by local congressman Adam Smith to change the name of the U.S. Post Office Building on NE 4th  Street in Renton to the James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix Post Office Building has cleared the US Senate.

The bill now needs to be signed by President Trump.   Hendrix is buried in Greenwood Memorial Gardens in Renton.

Pat O'Day And Jimi Hendrix

I got in my car and Sirius/XM radio was on.  A Jimi Hendrix song was fading out and DJ Meg Griffin was coming on. She told the story of when Hendrix, a Seattle native died, his family couldn't afford to bring his body back to the states.  His record company, that made millions off of his music would not get involved. She mentioned that finally a Seattle DJ stepped up and paid to have Jimi Hendrix brought back to this area where he is now buried.  Griffin said "I think his name was Pat O'Day".  I had already heard that story but was really proud to have it get national attention.

The picture above of Pat and Jimi shaking hands at a Garfield High School pep assembly, in story in itself.  It has been made into a statue by Pat's son Jerry.  The picture was recently displayed in an exhibit at the State Capitol on the year 1968.

Seattle Park Honors Jimi Hendrix

Seattle native Jimi Hendrix helped usher Rock into the psychedelic age and area residents are very proud of his legacy. Now, Seattle has a park named in his honor.  Jimi Hendrix Park, located next to the Northwest African American Museum in the Central District, opened this month. 
Perhaps, by design, the opening came on the 50th anniversary of the Monterey Pop Festively where Hendrix famously set his guitar on fire.  This summer also marks the 50th anniversary of another counter-culture event,  The Summer Of Love. 
Visitors can find the Hendrix Park at 2400 S Massachusetts St, Seattle, WA 98144.  I plan to visit soon.

Sad Anniversary For Seattle Music Scene

Seattle music icon Jimi Hendrix died September 18th, 1970 of an overdose of sleeping pills.  He is buried in Renton.

The Jimi Hendrix Memorial

An easy drive from Maple Valley, The Jimi Hendrix Memorial pays a moving tribute to the Seattle  raised  rock legend.  The Memorial, located at Greenwood Memorial Park in Renton, is the grave site of Jimi and members of his family.  Greenwood Memorial Gardens shares the same exit off I-405 as Maple Valley.