Little Wing

Valerie June’s version of Jimi Hendrix’s tender classic “Little Wing” displays her ethereal, one-of-a-kind voice and a haunting, atmospheric sound bed, guitar and horns melting together.  The track, under June’s command, transforms from a tale of the idealized female to a statement of feminine empowerment.

June shed light on her inspiration: “Little Wing” is one of my favorite Hendrix songs. After reading Clarissa Pinkola Estés’ book, Women Who Run With the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype, I started to imagine ‘Little Wing’ from the perspective of the woman he describes in the song. The feminine nature she embodies of a wild and free spirit who tirelessly shares her magic with the world made me think of the gifts my mother, grandmother, sisters, aunts, and other ladies throughout history have given to me, and how fortunate we all are to have strong women inspiring us daily. She is truly ethereal. She is magical. She is a wild woman.”