"He saw us play a few times in fact. I did this song called I Can't Keep From Crying Sometimes, and Jimi loved it. He paid me a huge compliment when he told me that he was thinking of doing something similar himself!"

Alvin Lee recounts a memorable moment in his career, highlighting both personal achievement and the mutual respect among musicians. When he states "He saw us play a few times in fact", Lee refers to Jimi Hendrix, one of the most influential guitarists of all time, attending his band's performances. This detail alone signifies that Lee’s group had reached a level of prominence that attracted the attention of legendary contemporaries.

Lee mentions performing a song titled "I Can't Keep From Crying Sometimes". The choice of this song is notable, it’s a blues number, originally a gospel song, reinterpreted by various artists in styles blending emotional depth and technical prowess. That Jimi Hendrix, known for his own innovative approach to blues and rock, was present, adds significance to Lee’s performance. Lee recalls that "Jimi loved it", indicating it wasn’t just passive appreciation. The admiration from Hendrix, whose standards for musicianship were exceptionally high, would have provided Lee with validation and encouragement as an artist.

What stands out even more is Hendrix's response. He told Lee he was "thinking of doing something similar himself". This mutual inspiration demonstrates the creative dialogue that existed among groundbreaking musicians of the era. Hendrix’s compliment wasn’t only personal; it suggested that Lee’s interpretation had sparked new ideas in another artist who was himself shaping the direction of modern music. Such an admission from Hendrix underscores the song’s emotional and artistic impact, elevating Lee’s confidence not just as a performer but as a contributor to the period’s musical innovation.

Ultimately, the anecdote captures a moment of artistic camaraderie and the ongoing exchange of influence within the 1960s and 70s rock scene. Compliments from peers, especially those of Hendrix’s caliber, reflect the importance of shared creativity and mutual respect among the pioneers of that musical generation.