Billy Cox

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Cox met Hendrix in 1961 while serving at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Their friendship sparked when Cox heard Hendrix playing guitar inside Service Club No. 1 during a sudden rainstorm; impressed, he introduced himself as a bassist, and they began jamming immediately. After leaving the military together, they played clubs around Clarksville, Tennessee, forming the King Kasuals at the Del Morocco and touring the Chitlin' Circuit as far north as Indianapolis. When Hendrix moved to New York City and was discovered by Chas Chandler, he called Cox to join him. However, Cox declined due to having only three strings on his bass and no money for travel. Years later, in 1969, Hendrix reconnected with Cox before Noel Redding left the Experience, bringing him into the studio and eventually forming Gypsy Sun and Rainbows for Woodstock.

In Their Own Story

The journey from the Army to global stages was defined by specific turning points. In Nashville, the King Kasuals occasionally played outlying gigs in the southeast while Cox also backed Marion James. When Hendrix departed for England with Chas Chandler, he left a disappointed but supportive friend behind; Cox simply thanked him and wished him well. By 1969, the dynamic shifted as Hendrix called his old friend back into action. Cox joined as the studio bassist months before Redding's departure, eventually performing at Woodstock with Gypsy Sun and Rainbows. This was followed by a short-lived group with Buddy Miles to record the live Band of Gypsys album for manager Ed Chalpin. After that group ended, Cox toured and recorded with Hendrix and Mitch Mitchell for The Cry of Love Tour. Following Hendrix's death in 1970, Cox contributed most bass parts to posthumous albums like The Cry of Love (1971) and Rainbow Bridge (1971), later helping consolidate tracks for First Rays of the New Rising Sun in 1997.

Reader's Guide

Cox's career is marked by deep roots in R&B and a unique longevity with Hendrix. In addition to his work with Jimi, he has been a member of house bands or recorded sessions for Sam Cooke, Slim Harpo, Joe Simon, Charlie Daniels, John McLaughlin, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Lou Rawls, Etta James, Jackie Wilson, and Little Richard. He released his solo album Nitro Function in 1971 with Char Vinnedge and Robert Tarrant. His discography includes collaborations like The Band of Gypsys Return (2006) with Buddy Miles and guest appearances on albums by Bruce Cameron and Gov't Mule. Cox has co-authored books such as Jimi Hendrix Sessions and Ultimate Hendrix, produced blues and gospel shows, and received the Founders Award from Paul Allen in 2010. He was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame (2009), West Virginia Music Hall of Fame (2011), and Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame (June 23, 2019) alongside Hendrix and Miles.

Did You Know?

• Cox met Hendrix in 1961 at Fort Campbell after hearing him play guitar inside Service Club No. 1 during a rainstorm.
• Cox declined an invitation to join Hendrix in New York City in 1966 because he had no money for travel and only three strings on his bass.
• Cox played on some posthumous albums like The Cry of Love (1971) and Rainbow Bridge (1971), but many bass parts on War Heroes (1972) and Loose Ends (1974) were performed by other musicians.
• In 2004, Cox reunited with Buddy Miles to re-record Band of Gypsys songs for the album The Band of Gypsys Return, released in 2006.
• On June 23, 2019, Cox was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame alongside Jimi Hendrix and Buddy Miles.