This inscription appears in a copy of Axis, Bold as Love by The Jimi Hendrix Experience.

I bought this album from Celeste Holmes (Holm?) in Memphis, Tennessee. I believe that this must have happened in the Summer of 1975. I was sharing a house at the time with Celeste and several other people, near Overton Park. When I bought the album, I was unaware of this inscription, but discovered it later, after Celeste had moved to Los Angeles (California). I know that Celeste had been involved with a producer who did some work at Argent Studios in Memphis, and I know that Mark Farner (Grand Funk Railroad) had also done some recording at Argent.

Now, here's the deal: I believe that this inscription was written by Jimi Hendrix and that this album was a gift from Jimi to Mark Farner. (Mark later became a successful solo artist in the Contemporary Christian music world.)

If you can confirm the identity of either the author or the recipient of this inscription or know anything else about it, I would appreciate your feedback.

The inscription reads:

To Mark
From Jim
May God
Bless & Keep You
Pray For Me,
Mark

Jimi's Memphis Connection

Jimi Hendrix became world-famous after he was "discovered" by Chas Chandler (record producer and formerly the bass player of the Animals) in New York City, where Jimi was appearing with his own act as Jimmy James and the James Gang (nothing to do with Joe Walsh). But, Jimi Hendrix was not from New York, and he didn't begin his career as Jimmy James.

As most fans know now, Jimi was born in Seattle, Washington. But, prior to Chas Chandler's "discovery" of the most celebrated guitarist in rock'n'roll history, Jimi had spent most of his professional career touring the southern and mid-western United States in rhythm and soul bands, including the Ike Turner band and the Isley Brothers. It was while Jimi was playing in Ike Turner's band that he began to imitate Ike's preference in gear (Ike Turner also played a Fender Stratocaster).

Before Sam Philips, founder of Sun Records, signed Elvis Presley to his first recording contract, Sun Records made and sold recordings of several rhythm and blues artists, including Ike Turner.