Jimi Hendrix producer Eddie Kramer was asked if the rumor is true that “Jimi created Band of Gypsys as an all-African American band under pressure from the Black Panthers,” in a new French Connection interview.
“B.S… He wanted to have Billy Cox with him, which was a smart move, a wonderful move, an emotional move – a long-time friend, all of that.
“They jammed, they played together, it was a time for Jimi where he was making a shift in his sound, in his process of how he wanted to hear the band, and he needed somebody reliable.
“And certainly Billy was reliable, and a wonderful bass player and a great guy, and I think it really helped stabilize where Jimi was at.
“And then you bring in [drummer] Buddy Myles, and that’s the fireworks, and that’s where I think the Yin and the Ying start to happen because Buddy, of course, being the showman that he was, wanted to take the center of the stage where Jimi is.
“And there’s only one Jimi Hendrix, and I think that caused a bit of grief, but as far as the other stuff, maybe there was some subtle rumors underneath, I don’t buy that.” Ultimate-Guitar transcribed his comments.
