Hard Rock Launches Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29

Limited-Edition Merchandise to Benefit The Fender Music Foundation and The Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation

News provided by

Feb 09, 2012, 09:00 ET

ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Hard Rock International honors legendary guitarist Jimi Hendrix with the launch of the brand's Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29 T-shirt and pin, the former featuring a visual representation of the music legend's most recognizable songs on a guitar image designed collaboratively in 1970 by artist Alan Aldridge, creator of Hard Rock Cafe's iconic logo, and Hendrix. The limited-edition merchandise is available in stores and online, with 15% of the retail price benefiting The Fender Music Foundation and Seattle's Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100323/NY75299LOGO )

"We are delighted that Jimi is playing such an important role in supporting multiple worthy causes," said Janie Hendrix, sister of Jimi Hendrix. "It would warm his heart to know that his legacy is being honored this way, continuing to have an impact on the entire universe. At Authentic Hendrix, we're working to fulfill his vision. Joining our long-term partners the Hard Rock International and The Fender Foundation allows us to continue to shape and inspire our communities through music."

Hard Rock's Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29 T-shirt is inspired by a one-of-a-kind guitar conceived by Hendrix and commissioned to commemorate the Hard Rock's 40th Anniversary in 2011. The project was a collaborative effort between Hard Rock, Alan Aldridge and Fender® Musical Instruments, with the support of Janie Hendrix. The one-of-a-kind guitar was unveiled at Hard Rock Calling in 2011 in London, and has become part of Hard Rock's world-famous music collection.

Hard Rock's Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29 T-shirt and limited-edition pin will be available online and at Rock Shops at Hard Rock Cafes, Hotels and Casinos worldwide.

Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29 T-shirt features Jimi Hendrix playing guitar with imagery that captures Hendrix's own vision as drawn by artist Alan Aldridge. The design illustrates Hendrix's iconic music and songs outlined in a guitar shape. This men's T-shirt is made of 100% cotton jersey fabric and available in heather navy. ($26)
Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29 limited-edition Pin is modeled after the Fender Stratocaster® Guitar Jimi Hendrix played onstage during his iconic Woodstock performance in 1969. The piece is set on a gold base metal with the imprint of Jimi's signature. ($12)

"Jimi Hendrix is one of the most influential guitarists of all time and has an impact on music and culture today," said Annie Balliro, Senior Director of Brand Philanthropy, Hard Rock International. "Hard Rock's Jimi Hendrix Signature Series 29 continues Hard Rock's long-standing commitment to philanthropy and exemplifies the brand's 'Love All – Serve All' motto by supporting the great work done internationally by The Fender Music Foundation and locally in Jimi's hometown through The Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation."

"It was such an honor to work on this project on behalf of Fender," said Del Breckenfeld, Director of Entertainment Marketing, Fender Musical Instruments Corp. "The fact that Jimi chose the Fender Stratocaster to be his instrument of music and artistic expression gave us the opportunity to turn his stunning vision from 40 years ago into a reality. And now thanks to the Hard Rock's Jimi Hendrix Signature Series: Edition 29 that vision will again be shared with fans the world over and another generation of young musicians will be touched and inspired by Jimi's limitless talent."

Hard Rock's Signature Series Lineup
Hard Rock developed the concept of partnering with world-renowned musicians and bands to create and donate imaginative designs more than 20 years ago. These unique designs are reproduced onto T-shirts and sold at Hard Rock properties worldwide, with a portion of the retail price benefitting the artist's preferred charity. Jimi Hendrix joins a legendary roster of rock icons – from The Who, Bruce Springsteen, Eric Clapton and Bono, to Jon Bon Jovi, Shakira, Ringo Starr and John Lennon – to become part of Hard Rock's Signature Series program, which has helped to raise millions of dollars for charitable causes worldwide.

For more information, please visit www.hardrock.com.

About The Fender Music Foundation
The Fender Music Foundation believes that music participation is an essential element in the fabric of an enduring society. The Fender Music Foundation aims to keep music education alive and available in our nation's schools and communities. Founded in 2005, this public charity has reached over 147,000 people through its grants to music education programs. These grant recipients, which give more people the opportunity to make music, include school music classrooms, community based organizations and music therapy programs. Visit www.fendermusicfoundation.org to learn more about supporting the cause.

About The Jimi Hendrix Park Foundation
In 2006, the Seattle Parks and Recreation Department renamed the nearly 2.5-acre neighborhood park located in Seattle's Central District, Jimi Hendrix Park, with the goal of turning it into a community gathering space honoring this Seattle-born artist's extraordinary life and musical legacy. The Park lies adjacent to the old Colman School, which since 2008 has housed Seattle's Northwest African American Museum. Now, a dedicated group of Seattle residents has come together to turn the dream of a park inspired by a "West Coast Seattle Boy" (the artist's own description) into reality. Named the Friends of Jimi Hendrix Park (FOJHP), the group has met for over a year, laying the groundwork for the development of a space that will draw visitors from across the globe. In keeping with the spirit of unity underlying the project as a whole, the Friends are committed to seeking community input into every aspect of the Park, from fundraising to design to programming. At the core of this project is the belief - embodied best by Jimi Hendrix himself - that with talent, determination and passion, anything is possible.

About Hard Rock International
With a total of 174 venues in 53 countries, including 137 cafes and 15 Hotels/Casinos, Hard Rock International is one of the world's most globally recognized brands. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's greatest collection of music memorabilia, which is displayed at its locations around the globe. Hard Rock is also known for its collectible fashion and music-related merchandise, Hard Rock Live performance venues and an award-winning website. In addition to the two flagship Seminole Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos in Tampa and Hollywood, Fla., Hard Rock Hotels/Casinos are located in Las Vegas, Biloxi, Orlando, Chicago, San Diego, Pattaya, Bali, Macau, Penang, Singapore and Punta Cana. Additional hotel and casino projects have been announced including Panama Megapolis, scheduled to open in 2012; Cancun and Vallarta scheduled to open in 2012; and Riviera Maya, Hungary, Dubai and Abu Dhabi, scheduled to open in 2013. Hard Rock International is owned by Seminole Hard Rock Entertainment, Inc. For further details on Hard Rock Hotels and Casinos, visit www.hardrockhotels.com. For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com.