Hendrix was not a very radical person, politically. He actually supported the U.S. military involvement in Vietnam well into the late 60's, which was a marked departure from the stereotypical radical/counterculture image of his peers. He eventually opposed the Vietnam War.

He was against violent uprisings and even wrote a song against riots called â??House Burning Downâ?ť.

Members of the Black Panthers used to shake him down for cash after some of his shows.

Considering his reputation for taking barbiturates, in all likelihood he was just careless and his death was unintentional. The barbituate known as Secanol, aka Reds, is a very dangerous drug, and combining them with alcohol was stupid.

Below: original album cover art for Electric Ladyland, banned in the U.S.