hendrix mixed a lot of styles(jazz,blues,rock) to create his own type of sound, that in itself is not revolutionary, for the idea of using something other than what it was created for is as old as man himself. ray charles was doing it with gospel to blues and soul. because its 'new' it becomes entertaining.
i believe jimi inspired lots of people to play the guitar and the people who were already playing to play it better. i don't believe music in itself is revolutionary, but it sure inspires people to be. i think a better question would be who is the most inspirational musician?
talent wise? i wish i could sing with the intensity of cobain.
i wish i could play the guitar as naturally as hendrix.
i don't believe cobain created or even mixed the style of grunge, it was already in full swing when he came along, he happened to make it popular, by being the best at it.
hendrix inspired people in the sixties and seventies through to today, nirvanas been doing it since the 90's, give them a chance, teen spirit will always be one of the first songs a newcomer will learn. then they'll move onto purple haze.