You knew it would be Hendrix since it’s Rolling Stone without even having to look. Overrated in my book. His career was way too short to have been much, if any, of an influence on his contemporaries.
Yes he had a short career. So did the Beatles by today's standards. Jimi Hendrix influenced almost all rock guitarists directly or indirectly. Even guitar players that have not directly heard Hendrix have been influenced indirectly since Hendrix influenced so many other top guitarists. All one has to do to validate that statement is to research what top guitar players themselves think of Jimi Hendrix - Page, Beck, Clapton, Townsend ... the list goes on.
When Hendrix first played in London he basically sat in with the Cream and plugged into an extra jack on Eric Clapton's amp. Clapton became slackjawed and couldn't even play. In the audience were top players in London at the time including Pete Townsend, Paul McCartney and some of the Rolling Stones who later stated they were blown away. Hendrix was the last act to close Woodstock. Occasionally a huge game-changer comes along. Hendrix passed through like a tornado.
>>His career was way too short to have been much, if any, of an influence on his contemporaries
To believe that, you would have to ignore the statements of his contemporaries, some of whom are in that list. Most would be unwilling to do that.
One example.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/sevenages/events/blues-based-rock/hendrix-jams-with-cream/
Were you alive and listening to rock music during the 60s and 70s? I was, and I can tell you that there was no greater influence on the genre than Jimi Hendrix.
The man literally invented heavy metal, psychedelic rock, hard rock, speed metal, grunge, etc. He was (and to this very day, still is) one of the most unique musicians to ever enjoy Top 40 status.
His facility with the electric guitar was unparalleled. His guitar technique spawned generations of players who've followed in his style. Even forty years after his death, his mastery of the instrument remains unrivaled, and he is still revered among musicians of all stripes.
His career may have been short, but in his time, he was perhaps the most prolific musician of his stature. Most recording artists don't do half as much, in twice the time that Hendrix did.
If you're only familiar with the few hits of his that are played by Classic Rock stations, do yourself a favor and search Hendrix on YouTube to get a listen to some of his other work. Any of the cuts off the live album, "Band of Gypsies" will give you a greater appreciation for the depth and breadth of the man's incredible gift.