Sammy Drain facts for kids

Sammy Drain (born March 13, 1945 – died July 22, 2016) was a talented guitarist from Seattle. Many people in his hometown thought he was a legend. He was also a good friend of the famous rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix. They even played music together before Hendrix became a superstar. Sammy Drain played with many other great artists like Albert Collins, Buddy Miles, Bobby Womack, and Stevie Wonder. Besides music, he was also a photographer, an actor, and helped start the Seattle Blues Society.

Sammy Drain's Early Life and Music Beginnings

Sammy Drain was born on March 13, 1945. His parents were Andrew and Carrie Drain.

He started playing the guitar when he was about thirteen years old. He also learned to play keyboards and drums.

Sammy was a neighborhood friend of Jimi Hendrix. They grew up together and spent a lot of time hanging out. They even got into some harmless fun together. Both Sammy and Jimi loved music. They would often play their instruments and jam together. They tried out new guitar sounds and wrote songs. Sammy Drain also played in some of the same music clubs as Jimi Hendrix. Sammy's favorite musicians who inspired him were B.B. King, Ray Charles, Muddy Waters, Albert King, and Freddie King.

Later Years and Achievements

Recognizing Jimi Hendrix Day

In the 1990s, Sammy Drain helped make "Jimi Hendrix Day" official. He spoke with the mayor of Seattle, Norm Rice. The mayor knew how much Jimi Hendrix had contributed to music. So, he agreed to the idea. On November 27, 1992, which would have been Jimi Hendrix's 50th birthday, the mayor announced it as Jimi Hendrix Day.

Sammy Drain Day in Seattle

Years later, Sammy Drain was also honored for his own musical talents. Seattle announced a special "Sammy Drain Day" to celebrate him.

Playing Music in the 2000s

In the 2000s, Sammy Drain was a regular musician at a place called Thompson’s Point of View. He was the main blues artist there.

He was also interviewed for a documentary about Jimi Hendrix in 2004. The film was called Jimi Hendrix: By Those Who Knew Him Best. Jimi's brother, Leon Hendrix, and the inventor of the Octavia guitar pedal, Roger Mayer, were also in the film.

In December 2003, Sammy Drain & Company performed at a venue called Wazobia.

More Celebrations and Performances

In 2004, King County Council member Larry Gossett officially declared March 13 as "Sammy Drain Day." In November 2010, it was announced that Sammy Drain would play at the Goodfoot Lounge. This was for Jimi Hendrix's 68th Birthday Bash on November 20. Other musicians like the Leon Hendrix band, Joe Doria of McTuff, and Shawn Smith of Brad also played.

In 2012, Sammy was asked to perform at Jimi Hendrix's 70th birthday party. This event featured many artists, including Septimus and Stacey Stanford.

Sammy Drain's Legacy and Passing

Throughout his career, Sammy Drain played with many famous musicians. These included Albert Collins, Con Funk Shun, Buddy Miles, Bobby Womack, and Stevie Wonder. He also tried acting for a while. He appeared in TV shows like L.A. Law.

Sammy was also a mentor and teacher. He taught young people about playing the guitar and the blues music he loved. Sammy Drain passed away on July 22, 2016, at the age of 71.

Sammy Drain's Filmography

Television Shows

• L.A. Law
• Miami Vice
• Hill Street Blues
• Growing Pains
• My Sister Sam

Documentaries About Jimi Hendrix

• Jimi Hendrix, the Uncut Story
• Jimi Hendrix: By Those Who Knew Him Best - 2004
• Jimi Hendrix, The Complete Story - 2007

Sammy Drain's Discography

• Sammy Drain
• Once Bitten