NYC Co-Names Greenwich Village Street Jimi Hendrix Way 2026

Key Points

• The City of New York will officially co-name a stretch of West Eighth Street in Greenwich Village as “Jimi Hendrix Way”.
• The co-naming honours the location of Electric Lady Studios, which Jimi Hendrix opened in 1970.
• The ceremony is scheduled for 11 a.m. on 24 February 2026, at the corner of West Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue.
• Speakers at the event include Jimi Hendrix’s sister Janie Hendrix, musician Stevie Van Zandt, and NYC District 2 Council Member Harvey Epstein.
• Janie Hendrix, president and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, led the initiative alongside Stevie Van Zandt, representing his TeachRock nonprofit educational initiative, and writer Jeff Slate.
• TeachRock is launching a new lesson titled “Jimi Hendrix: Rock’s Trailblazing Innovator and Influential Guitarist”, which explores Hendrix’s blues and R&B roots, to coincide with the ceremony.
• Expect heavy crosstown traffic in Greenwich Village later this month due to the event.
• The sign will be affixed specifically to the stretch of Eighth Street where Electric Lady Studios is located.

Greenwich Village (South London News) February 16, 2026 – New York City authorities are set to co-name a prominent stretch of West Eighth Street in Greenwich Village as “Jimi Hendrix Way”, paying tribute to the legendary guitarist’s legacy at Electric Lady Studios. The official ceremony, anticipated to draw significant crowds and cause traffic disruptions, is slated for 11 a.m. on 24 February 2026, at the corner of West Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue. This move recognises the cultural significance of the studio Hendrix established in 1970, which remains an iconic recording venue.

The announcement has sparked enthusiasm among music enthusiasts and local officials, highlighting Hendrix’s enduring influence on rock music. Janie Hendrix, Jimi’s sister and president and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, spearheaded the effort alongside musician Stevie Van Zandt and writer Jeff Slate. Their collaboration underscores a commitment to preserving Hendrix’s contributions through public commemoration and education.

Why Is New York Co-Naming This Street After Jimi Hendrix?

The decision to co-name West Eighth Street as “Jimi Hendrix Way” stems directly from the site’s historical ties to the musician. Electric Lady Studios, located on this stretch, was personally opened by Hendrix in 1970 as his vision for a state-of-the-art recording facility.

As reported in the initial coverage, the sign will be affixed precisely where the studio stands, ensuring the honour is geographically precise.

Jimi Hendrix, who tragically passed away in 1970 at age 27, revolutionised guitar playing with his innovative techniques, blending blues, rock, and psychedelia. Greenwich Village, a historic hub for counterculture and music in the 1960s and 1970s, served as a fitting backdrop for his work.

City officials view this co-naming as a way to celebrate not just Hendrix, but the Village’s rich musical heritage, which has hosted countless artists from Bob Dylan to Patti Smith.

Council Member Harvey Epstein, representing District 2, has championed similar initiatives to mark cultural landmarks.

“This co-naming immortalises Jimi Hendrix’s impact on New York and global music,”

Epstein is expected to emphasise during the event, according to preparatory announcements. The move aligns with broader efforts by the city to honour diverse musical icons through street signage, fostering community pride and tourism.

Who Will Speak at the Jimi Hendrix Way Ceremony?

The guest list for the 24 February ceremony promises a blend of family, fellow musicians, and political figures. Janie Hendrix, as president and CEO of Experience Hendrix LLC, will take centre stage, reflecting on her brother’s legacy. She led the charge for the co-naming, working closely with allies to bring the proposal to fruition.

Stevie Van Zandt, renowned guitarist of the E Street Band and actor known for his role in The Sopranos, will also address the crowd. Acting on behalf of his TeachRock nonprofit, Van Zandt collaborated with Janie Hendrix and writer Jeff Slate.

TeachRock, an educational initiative focused on music history in schools, leverages Hendrix’s story to inspire young learners.

NYC District 2 Council Member Harvey Epstein rounds out the speakers, representing local government support. Epstein’s involvement signals official endorsement, with the ceremony poised to blend personal tributes and civic recognition.

As per event details, the gathering at West Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue will feature these voices sharing anecdotes and insights into Hendrix’s life.

When and Where Exactly Is the Ceremony Taking Place?

Mark your calendars for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, at the bustling intersection of West Eighth Street and Sixth Avenue in Greenwich Village.

This prime location places the new “Jimi Hendrix Way” sign directly adjacent to Electric Lady Studios, maximising visibility and symbolism.

Greenwich Village residents and visitors should anticipate heavy crosstown traffic, particularly around the event time. The area, already a magnet for tourists due to its bohemian history, will likely see road closures or delays. Authorities recommend alternative routes via nearby avenues like Seventh or Bleecker Street to mitigate congestion.

The timing, late February, coincides with lingering winter chill in New York, but Hendrix fans are undeterred. The ceremony’s brevity—expected to last under an hour—aims to respect commuters while delivering a poignant unveiling.

What Is Electric Lady Studios’ Connection to Jimi Hendrix?

Electric Lady Studios holds a pivotal place in rock history as Jimi Hendrix’s brainchild. Opened in 1970, just months before his death, the studio was custom-designed to his specifications, featuring cutting-edge acoustics and psychedelic decor. Hendrix envisioned it as a creative haven, recording tracks there for what would become his final album, Cry of Love.

Post-Hendrix, the studio hosted luminaries like John Lennon, David Bowie, and modern acts like Taylor Swift and the Foo Fighters. Its enduring operation underscores the co-naming’s relevance.

As the physical anchor for “Jimi Hendrix Way”, the studio ensures the street honour remains tied to tangible legacy.

Preservation efforts by Experience Hendrix LLC, under Janie Hendrix’s leadership, have maintained the site’s authenticity. Writer Jeff Slate, a Hendrix historian, contributed research to the co-naming campaign, emphasising the studio’s role in Hendrix’s innovation.

How Did Janie Hendrix and Stevie Van Zandt Drive This Initiative?

Janie Hendrix’s advocacy was instrumental, drawing on her role at Experience Hendrix LLC to rally support.

“This is a fitting tribute to my brother’s vision in Greenwich Village,”

Janie Hendrix stated, as attributed in the announcement coverage. Her partnership with Stevie Van Zandt amplified the effort.

Van Zandt, through TeachRock, brought an educational angle, positioning the co-naming as a teaching moment. TeachRock’s mission integrates music curricula into classrooms, making Hendrix’s story accessible. Writer Jeff Slate provided scholarly backing, detailing Hendrix’s Village ties.

Their combined push convinced city lawmakers, culminating in official approval. Council Member Epstein’s backing provided the political muscle, ensuring swift implementation.

What New Educational Content Is TeachRock Launching?

To mark the occasion, TeachRock unveils

“Jimi Hendrix: Rock’s Trailblazing Innovator and Influential Guitarist”.

This lesson delves into Hendrix’s blues and R&B roots, tracing influences from Muddy Waters to Curtis Mayfield. Stevie Van Zandt, via TeachRock, described it as “a gateway for students to Hendrix’s genius”.

The module aligns with TeachRock’s goal of using music to teach history and culture. Free resources will be available online post-ceremony, targeting educators nationwide. Janie Hendrix endorsed the lesson, noting its alignment with Experience Hendrix’s preservation work.

Why Expect Heavy Traffic in Greenwich Village?

The ceremony’s high-profile nature guarantees crowds, exacerbating Greenwich Village’s notorious congestion. West Eighth Street, a key east-west artery, funnels traffic between Sixth and Seventh Avenues. With speakers like Van Zandt drawing fans, disruptions are inevitable.

Local advisories urge public transport use, favouring the A/C/E or 1 trains to West Fourth Street station. Pedestrians should prepare for security perimeters around the unveiling site. Businesses nearby, from cafes to record shops, anticipate a boon despite access hiccups.

What Does This Mean for Hendrix’s Legacy in New York?

This co-naming cements Hendrix’s footprint in the city he briefly called home. Greenwich Village, synonymous with 1960s folk and rock scenes, gains another landmark. Experience Hendrix LLC views it as part of ongoing efforts, including archival releases and exhibitions.

Fans hope it inspires similar tributes elsewhere, like London’s Hendrix haunts. Neutral observers praise the apolitical nature, focusing purely on cultural merit. As New York evolves, such gestures preserve its artistic soul.

Council Member Epstein reiterated city commitment: “Honouring Hendrix celebrates our diverse heritage.” The event, though local, resonates globally, reminding all of Hendrix’s borderless influence.