The U.S. Postal Service was at center stage today at the South by Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas, with the dedication and release of the Jimi Hendrix Forever Stamp.

Recognized as one of the most creative and influential musicians of the 20th century, Hendrix displayed an innovative style that embraced the influences of rock, R&B, modern jazz and the blues.

The Hendrix stamp goes on sale today at post offices nationwide; online from the U.S. Postal Service or eBay; or by calling (800) 782-6724.

"Combining influences from rock, modern jazz, soul and the blues with his own innovations, Jimi Hendrix helped found three new genres of music — heavy metal, jazz fusion and funk — and in doing so, left behind an indelible mark on pop music and popular culture generally," said Joseph Corbett, chief financial officer and executive vice president, U.S. Postal Service, in a statement.

Janie Hendrix, Hendrix's sister, joined Corbett to dedicate the stamp. She said it was "an unparalleled honor."

The stamp dedication was held prior to a Jimi Hendrix Celebration concert at the SXSW Outdoor Stage at Butler Park.

There were performances by luminaries Wayne Kramer, guitarist for Motor City 5; Slash, former lead guitarist for Guns N' Roses; Rusty Anderson, lead guitarist for Paul McCartney's tours; and Perry Farrell, lead singer for Jane's Addiction. Also, the concert featured Robby Krieger, guitarist for The Doors; Mary Bridget Davies, star of Broadway's "A Night with Janis Joplin;" Jesse Malin, a guitarist-musician; Dave Alvin and Phil Alvin, former guitarists for The Blasters; and Etty Farrell, wife of Perry Farrell and former star of E! reality series "Married to Rock."

The Hendrix stamp kicks off the 2014 Music Icons series, which will include Janis Joplin later this year. The 2013 Music Icons series honored Johnny Cash, Ray Charles and Lydia Mendoza.

The new limited-edition Hendrix stamp, designed by artist Rudy Gutierrez, features a vibrant, colorful design fashioned to evoke the movement and rhythm of the late singer and pay homage to the psychedelic rock era of the 1960s. The stamp pane, designed to resemble a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve, features a painting of Hendrix's face surrounded by colorful swirls and small icons that reference song lyrics or aspects of Hendrix's life.

Hendrix, a Seattle native whose given name was Johnny Allen Hendrix, was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. He died in September 1970 at the age of 27 years old.

More From Mix 95.7