The One Minute Music Book Club: That Gun in Your Hand

August 25, 2025 Alan Cross 0 Comments 3 min read

“Hey, Joe” is one of Jimi Hendrix‘s best-known songs but it’s actually a cover. It was written sometimes in early 60s by a guy from the Carolinas named Billy Roberts. He eventually made his way to New York City where Jimi somehow became aware of the song and recorded it.

By the story doesn’t end there. Billy went through some weird and violent times in his life, dying in 2017. What happened? That’s what That Gun in Your Hand by Jason Schneider uncovers.

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Alan Cross

is an internationally known broadcaster, interviewer, writer, consultant, blogger and speaker. In his 40+ years in the music business, Alan has interviewed the biggest names in rock, from David Bowie and U2 to Pearl Jam and the Foo Fighters. He’s also known as a musicologist and documentarian through programs like The Ongoing History of New Music.

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