Jimi Hendrix

Jimi Hendrix (27 November, 1942 – 18 September, 1970) was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is frequently credited as being the most important electric guitarist in the history of popular music.

Estate, legal wranglings

In the absence of a will, Jimi's father Al Hendrix inherited Jimi's recordings and royalty rights, and entrusted this estate to an attorney, who allegedly tricked Al into selling these rights to shell companies owned by the attorney. Al sued in 1993 for mismanaging these assets. The litigation was funded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen, a lifelong and devoted Hendrix fan. In a 1995 settlement, Al Hendrix regained control over all his son's recordings. Several albums were then re-mastered from the original tapes and re-released. Al Hendrix died in 2002 at age 82. Control of the estate and the Experience Hendrix company that was set up to administer the Hendrix legacy then passed to Jimi's half-sister Janie.

Related Topics:
Will - Al Hendrix - Shell companies - Paul Allen

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In 2004, Janie Hendrix was sued by her half-brother, Leon Hendrix, Jimi's younger brother, who was written out of his father's will in 1997. He was seeking to have his inheritance restored and Janie removed from her position of control over the Hendrix estate. Superior Court Judge Jeffrey Ramsdell sided with Janie explaining, "Janie was the family member Al trusted the most." He added that Leon's battles with drug addiction, his failure to complete a treatment program, his unwillingness to work and his continual demands for money were the main reasons that Al Hendrix cut his younger son from his will.

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