Rock icon Jimi Hendrix has been celebrated with a commemorative stamp in the U.S.

Officials at the U.S. Postal Service have commissioned the Jimi Hendrix Forever Stamp in honour of the Purple Haze rocker and his influence on American culture.

The stamp, which features a colourful illustration of the musician playing a guitar, went on sale in America on Thursday (13Mar14).

Hendrix's sister Janie says, "I am deeply touched and so are other members of the Hendrix family by the issuance of this stamp, and I wish to thank the United States Postal Service for bestowing one of our nation's highest honours on my brother Jimi.

"While my brother has been cited many times as being among the most influential musicians of all time, the recognition implicit in his being portrayed on a U.S. postage stamp ranks as an unparalleled honour."

Hendrix died in London in 1970.