Al Hendrix R.I.P.

Another original rockabilly artist has passed away. Al Hendrix, who recorded a couple of rock'n'roll and rockabilly singles during the 1950s and 1960s that founded his fame in the rockabilly scene, was active until recent years. He died peacefully on July 24, 2021, at his home in California.

Hendrix was born in 1934 in Miami, Florida, but later moved to Bakersfield, California, where he met the young and aspiring country musician Buck Owens. With another country band leader, Jolly Jody and his band, the Go-Daddies, Hendrix recorded his first single for the local Tally label, "Rhonda Lee" b/w "Go Daddy, Rock" that was picked up by ABC-Paramount for national release. The 1960s saw Hendrix recording more singles that became minor favorites among rockabilly enthusiasts, including "Young and Wild" and "Monkey Bite." Hendrix also recorded several albums in later years.

Today, we feature my favorite "Rhonda Lee" in honor of Hendrix.