Jimi Hendrix Forever Postage Stamp Unveiled At South By Southwest

Jimi Hendrix is coming to an envelope near you.
The legendary guitarist, who died in 1970 at age 27, inspired a new limited edition Forever stamp released by the U.S. Postal Service on Thursday.

The colorful stamp, designed to look like a sleeve for a 45 record, shows Hendrix playing a guitar while sporting one of his signature military jackets.

The postal service launched the stamp at the South By Southwest music festival after a tribute concert for the late musician. Janie Hendrix, the guitarist's sister, was in attendance.

"I am deeply touched and so are other members of the Hendrix family by the issuance of this stamp, and I wish to thank the United States Postal Service for bestowing one of our nation's highest honors on my brother Jimi," Hendrix said in a statement.

"While my brother has been cited many times as being among the most influential musicians of all time, the recognition implicit in his being portrayed on a U.S. postage stamp ranks as an unparalleled honor," she continued.

Hendrix is the latest musician honored by having his face on the stamp, part of the post office's Music Icons series. Last year the series honored Ray Charles, Johnny Cash and Lydia Mendoza. Later this year, the USPS will issue a stamp honoring Janis Joplin.

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