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.
That reminds me that George Harrison is on my favorite guitar player list too.