Stone Free

This article is about the song. For the album, see Stone Free (album). For the fictional ability, see Jolyne Cujoh.
"Stone Free"
Single by the Jimi Hendrix Experience
A-side"Hey Joe" (UK)
B-side"If 6 Was 9" (US)
Released
  • December 16, 1966 (1966-12-16) (UK)
  • September 15, 1969 (US)
RecordedNovember 2, 1966
StudioDe Lane Lea, London
GenrePsychedelic rock
Length3:36[1]
Label
Songwriter(s)Jimi Hendrix
Producer(s)Chas Chandler
Experience UK singles chronology
"Stone Free"
(1966) 		"The Wind Cries Mary"
(1967)
Jimi Hendrix US singles chronology
"Crosstown Traffic"
(1968) 		"Stone Free"
(1969) 		"Stepping Stone"
(1970)

"Stone Free" is a song written by Jimi Hendrix and the second song recorded by the Jimi Hendrix Experience. It has been described as a "counterculture anthem, with its lyrics praising the footloose and fancy-free life", which reflected Hendrix's restless lifestyle.[2] Instrumentally, the song has a strong rhythmic drive provided by drummer Mitch Mitchell with harmonic support by bassist Noel Redding. "Stone Free" was issued on December 16, 1966, as the B-side of the Experience's first UK single "Hey Joe" and later included on the Smash Hits compilation album.

In April 1969, Hendrix recorded a revised rendition of the song for possible release as a single. However, it was not used and Reprise Records issued the original recording as a single in the U.S. on September 15, 1969. Hendrix often played "Stone Free" in concert using extended arrangements, sometimes lasting over fourteen minutes. The revised song and several live recordings were later released.

  1. ^ From Are You Experienced liner notes (1997 international edition)
  2. ^ Shadwick 2003, p. 90.