News broke today that famed British drummer Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix Experience died yesterday at the Benson Hotel in Portland, Oregon. Mitchell, 61, was on tour with Experience Henrix, and the cause of his death remains unknown. A medical examiner told the Associated Press news agency that his death appeared to be from natural causes, but said there would be an autopsy.

Mitchell was initially recruited to play with Hendrix by the guitarist's manager, Chas Chandler of the Animals. He was quoted as saying he initially didn't believe that the band would be successful, until he witnessed Hendrix's otherworldly guitar playing for himself. Famous for a style of drumming that melded jazz with rock, Mitchell performed on Hendrix classics such as Are You Experienced?, Electric Ladyland and Axis: Bold As Love. Here's one of Mitchell's legendary drum solos filmed in 1969.