Jimi Hendrix Way Officially Renamed in New York City
New York City has officially renamed West 8th Street as “Jimi Hendrix Way” in a ceremony held on June 10, 2026, honoring the legendary guitarist’s enduring cultural impact. The event, organized by NYC District 2 Council Member Harvey Epstein and the Jimi Hendrix Estate, took place at Sixth Avenue and West 8th Street in Greenwich Village, near Electric Lady Studios, the iconic recording studio Hendrix co-founded in 1970.
Ceremony Details and Key Attendees
The renaming ceremony, rescheduled from February due to snowstorms, featured prominent figures including Hendrix’s sister, Janie Hendrix, who expressed that she had advocated for the street name change since his death in 1970. “We used to have a petition in Electric Lady Studios to sign that said, ‘Name this street after Jimi,’ and it seemed to go nowhere,” she said, per *The New York Times*. The event also included musician Vernon Reid of Living Colour, songwriter Valerie Simpson, and engineer Eddie Kramer, who helped establish Electric Lady Studios.
Council Member Epstein emphasized Hendrix’s role as a “powerful voice for peace, racial equity, and social justice,” highlighting the district’s history as a hub for arts and activism. “It is only fitting that these streets now carry his name,” he stated in a public statement.
Educational Partnership Launches
The ceremony also marked the launch of a national education initiative led by Stevie Van Zandt’s TeachRock program. The partnership provides free online resources, including lessons using Hendrix’s 1967 Monterey International Pop Festival performance, to teach elementary students core subjects through music. Janie Hendrix praised the collaboration, noting it aligns with her family’s mission to “carry Jimi’s legacy forward through education.”
Van Zandt, who has long advocated for music-based learning, said Hendrix’s work “reimagined what art could be,” aiming to inspire students to embrace creativity without limits.
Historical Context and Legacy
This renaming follows a 2024 temporary street name change in Greenwich Village to honor Hendrix, underscoring his lasting influence on music and culture. The new name, “Jimi Hendrix Way,” ensures his legacy is permanently etched into the city’s landscape.
Hendrix, who died at 27, is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time. His innovative sound and activism continue to resonate, with his music serving as a bridge between historical narratives and contemporary education.
For more information on the TeachRock program and free resources, visit teachrock.org.