in 1966, hendrix became friends with the girlfriend of keith richards, guitarist for the rolling stones, linda keith. she liked his music and introduced him to chas chandler, the manager for the animals. chandler told hendrix to write a rock version of the song “hey joe” and when he did, chandler brought him to london to sign a contract with him. hendrix had to make a new band. it was called the jimi hendrix experience with mitch mitchell and noel redding, a name found by their business manager mike jeffery.