Jimi Hendrix and Lithofayne Pridgon had a romantic relationship that lasted for several years in the 1960s. Lithofayne Pridgon, also known as Faye or Fayne, was a close friend and confidante of Hendrix and a key figure in his inner circle.
Hendrix and Pridgon first met in New York City in 1964 and quickly became close friends. They shared a mutual love of music and the arts and spent many hours together talking about their dreams and aspirations. As Hendrix’s music career began to take off, Pridgon was a constant source of support and encouragement.
The Beginning of Romantic Relationship
In the late 1960s, Hendrix and Pridgon began a romantic relationship. They moved in together, living in a small apartment on West 12th Street. The couple was inseparable and spent much of their time together listening to music, going to shows, and exploring the vibrant cultural scene in Harlem. Pridgon became an essential presence in Hendrix’s life, traveling with him on tour, helping him to manage his affairs, and providing emotional support during difficult times.
Hendrix was deeply inspired by Pridgon and credited her as a significant influence on his music. She was the inspiration for many of his songs, including “Foxy Lady,” “Angel,” and “Izabella.” Pridgon also helped Hendrix develop his distinctive sense of style, introducing him to colorful clothing and accessories and inspiring his flamboyant stage persona.
Irreconcilable differences
Lithofayne was always known for her talk of being a “loose lady,” but the truth was that she was a romantic at heart. She believed in a love that was pure and uncomplicated by jealousy, disaffection, and possessiveness. She wanted a love that would sweep her off her feet and also leave her free to be with others. She loved all the men in her life equally and unreservedly, including Jackie, Sam, and Willie. But Jimi was different. He couldn’t handle the fact that Lithofayne loved others as well as him.
Winona Williams, a close friend of Hendrix, said that he adored Lithofayne to the point of distraction. He always wanted what he couldn’t have, and even though he had her, he didn’t have her exclusively, and that drove him crazy. One time, Jimi even joked with Lithofayne, saying he’d like to freeze her in a cake of ice and thaw her out whenever he wanted to.
Despite leaving for England in September 1966 to find fame and fortune, Jimi kept tracking Lithofayne down whenever he returned to New York. His love for her never faltered, and he even recorded a song in London called “Foxy Lady,” which may have been inspired by Lithofayne. Jimi used to call every pet they had “Foxy,” and he even called Lithofayne herself “Foxy” when she wore certain clothes.
Lithofayne was so wrapped up in her love story with Jimi that she never thought his famous songs could be about her. She thought it would be cocky to claim they were about her. Williams, however, believes that Lithofayne was the one person in Jimi’s life who superseded all others. She was the only constant in his life from when he first hit New York in 1963 until he died.
Williams is sure that Jimi would have settled down with Lithofayne if she had wanted him to, but Lithofayne was not interested in settling down. She was not about to ask Jimi to leave all his other women and be with her exclusively. Williams is adamant that Lithofayne was the one person who had Jimi’s whole heart, even though he couldn’t get hers.
Despite their deep connection, Hendrix’s infidelity and addiction issues put a strain on their relationship. Hendrix’s drug use was a source of constant worry for Pridgon, who tried to help him get clean. However, his addiction ultimately proved too challenging to overcome, and their relationship ended in the early 1970s. He also had numerous affairs with other women, which caused Pridgon a great deal of heartache and pain. Despite this, she remained devoted to Hendrix and continued to be an essential figure in his life until his untimely death in 1970.
After Hendrix’s death, Pridgon remained involved in the music industry, working as a personal assistant to other musicians, including Miles Davis and Buddy Miles. She was also an advocate for Hendrix’s legacy and worked to promote his music and keep his memory alive. Pridgon passed away in 2021 at 80, leaving behind a legacy as a muse, creative collaborator, and advocate for those struggling with addiction.
