The Time Jimi Hendrix Appeared on Mr Rogers Neighborhood

Who could forget that time in 1968 when Jimi Hendrix made a surprise appearance on Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Rogers invited Jimi to join him and cool his feet in a small plastic wading pool. When Hendrix sat down and placed his feet in the water, right next to Rogers’, the two men broke a well-known color barrier.

Mister Rogers Neighborhood was of course the beloved children’s show that ran from 1968 to 2001. It was created and hosted by Fred Rogers. Everyone knows the iconic show and the opening has been honored and copied many times. Fred Rogers is seen coming home with his jacket on, singing “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?”. He goes into the closet, takes off his jacket, hangs it up, and grabs a cardigan zipper sweater to put on. After that, he takes his dress shoes off and grabs a pair of blue sneakers to put on. One of Rogers’ sweaters now hangs in the Smithsonian Institution. This is a testament to the cultural influence of his simple daily ritual.

Jimi Hendrix & Mr Rogers

As a matter of fact, Mister Rogers had many interesting friends, neighbors and guests appear on the show. He often discussed many controversial subjects in a child friendly way. 1968 was a very tumultuous time and Fred thought it would be a great idea to invite a Rock Star on to discuss the topics of the day.

The Time Jimi Hendrix Appeared on Mr Rogers Neighborhood

Basically Hendrix showed up wide eyed, hopped up on goofballs and decked out in his usual psychedelic garb. Rogers invited Jimi to cool down on a hot day and the pair sat down and soaked their feet in a small plastic pool. They discussed the War, drugs, groupies and other subjects in a child friendly way.

It was a wonderful time for all. However, Things turned ugly later on after Mr. Rogers invited Jimi to play his guitar. Hendrix launched into a medley of his hits with his guitar on full volume. Distortion and feedback screamed through the studio. Jimi got so into his performance that he ended up smashing his guitar and setting it on fire. Children in the studio ran in horror.

Even though it was an epic performance and one for the ages, Jimi Hendrix ended up getting banned from Mister Rogers Neighborhood. Many parents were shocked and outraged and flooded the studio with angry calls and letters. Fred Rogers fought for Jimi but the suits won. The sixties were a special time.