Jimi Hendrix Honored with Washington State’s Highest Civilian Award, the Medal of Merit
By Omari Salisbury
Olympia, WA – In a ceremony decades in the making, the legendary Jimi Hendrix was posthumously awarded the Washington State Medal of Merit. The event, held at the state capitol, celebrated Hendrix’s profound and lasting impact on music and culture. This highest civilian honor recognizes individuals who have provided exceptionally meritorious service to Washington and its residents.
Governor Bob Ferguson emphasized the significance of the award, stating, “The Medal of Merit honors those who gave a lifetime of service to the people of Washington through public service, literature, the arts, medicine, advocacy…and today, of course, we honor a music legend.” Ferguson further elaborated on Hendrix’s influence, calling him “not just one of the Greatest Guitarists of All Time…but easily the most influential guitarist of all time.” He noted how people from around the world visit Washington State to remember Hendrix, a son of Seattle.
Secretary of State Steve Hobbs also spoke at the ceremony, acknowledging the delay and expressing honor in celebrating Hendrix’s outstanding contributions. He highlighted that the Medal of Merit was awarded to Jimi Hendrix for his “deep and long-lasting impact on the state of Washington and the world as the greatest Electric Guitarist in the history of rock music.”
Representative Sharon Tomiko Santos, who nominated Hendrix for the award, shared insights into his upbringing in the 37th legislative district of Seattle. She recounted stories of young Jimi playing a broom like a guitar and his self-taught musical journey. “He was entirely self-taught and unable to read music,” Santos said. “Instead, Jimi learned by listening to the artists who famously worked and recreated in the Seattle jazz scene.” She also noted Hendrix's influence on fashion and his innovative musical style, stating, “Jimmy really was more than just a musician. He was visual.” Santos concluded with a poignant quote, “Some birds aren’t meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright,” reflecting on Hendrix’s boundless artistic spirit.
Members of the Hendrix family were present, sharing personal memories and reflections. Tina Hendrix, Jimi’s niece and founder of the Hendrix Music Academy, described the day as “a glorious day for the family.” She also said the ceremony represented a renewal "It felt like a new day, like a new start, a new chapter in Jimmy's legacy. It's no longer all of these bad rumors about him. Now they're seeing him for who he is, and he's been officially recognized for what we already have known, but it's just super important, because this is the first step in the right direction of telling Jimmy's true story in history, that he was a brilliant human being."
Leon Hendrix, Jimi’s younger brother, shared personal anecdotes. “He got me in a lot of trouble,” Leon said, recalling their childhood smiling. He also mentioned touring with Jimi in 1968. Reflecting on his brother’s legacy, Leon stated, “Jimmy was more than a musician. He was a spiritual giant.” He added, “He wrote the music that made the people march, stop the war.” Leon also shared a touching memory of Jimi’s advice: “If he hit a flat note, bend it. Bend the note.”
Sam Hendrix, Tina’s son and Jimi’s great-nephew, expressed his feelings about the award. “I felt [it was] overdue,” he said. “Like, that should have been happening before I was even born.” Despite this, he acknowledged the significance, stating, “I’m still a fan of my great uncle. I still listen to his music.” Sam also reflected on Jimi’s efforts to create generational wealth for the family, noting that “the wealth did get took away. But…we have blood. We got wealth in history.”
Anzhane Slaughter, another cousin of Jimi’s, emphasized the family’s ongoing community involvement. “We continue to give back. We continue to be pillars of our community,” she said. She hoped that “more people…sees his true family” and that documentaries about Jimi’s life would feature family members. Slaughter highlighted Jimi’s ability to “bring people together, cross racial lines” and his impact beyond music.
Department of Ecology employees Alex Hernandez, Lisa Stingley, Dave Thompson, and Jon Tollstrup with the Medal of Valor for their heroic rescue. While working on a litter crew for the Department of Ecology in October of 2024, they rescued a woman from a burning vehicle after she crashed on the side of the highway.
The ceremony also honored the Department of Ecology employees Alex Hernandez, Lisa Stingley, Dave Thompson, and Jon Tollstrup with the Medal of Valor for their heroic rescue. While working on a litter crew for the Department of Ecology in October of 2024, they rescued a woman from a burning vehicle after she crashed on the side of the highway. Governor Ferguson described the Medal of Valor as recognizing “civilians who do not necessarily wake up in the morning anticipating or thinking that they may need to put themselves in harm’s way to help someone in need.” Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck praised the team’s “service above oneself,” emphasizing their “courage” and “sacrifice.” Casey Sixkiller, their director, called them “super heroes,” acknowledging their “unbreakable bond as a team” and their “selflessness” in putting someone else’s life before their own.
The dual honors served to highlight both artistic brilliance and everyday heroism, making the event a powerful tribute to the remarkable individuals who have enriched Washington State and the world. The celebration concluded with a reception at the Secretary of State’s office, where attendees shared stories and further honored the legacies of Jimi Hendrix and the Medal of Valor recipients.
