Estate battles of the stars
Exposition: The legendary rock guitarist died in 1970 of a drug overdose. The twenty-seven year old genius behind “Are You Experienced?” was apparently not so experienced in financial matters: He left no will.
Flap: Hendrix's estate was managed for almost two decades by an attorney. In 1995, the late rocker's father, Al Hendrix was award the rights to his son's music catalogue. The senior Hendrix died in 2002, leaving most of the estate — then valued at $80 million — to his adopted daughter, Janie. Later, Jimi Hendrix's half-brother, Leon, sued, claiming Janie had coerced the Hendrix patriarch into cutting him and others out of the will.
Outcome: A Seattle court in September 2004 ruled that Al Hendrix had left his estate to his adopted daughter because he trusted her more than other relatives. But he also removed her from the position of trustee, saying she had abused the position. Leon subsequently appealed the decision. In 2007, the Washington state Supreme court denied to review the case. But Leon is involved in other disputes with the Hendrix estate, notably over his use of Jimi Hendrix's image on a specialty vodka that his company sells. under the label 'Hendrix Electric.' What, 'Purple Haze' was taken?