Rock and row: the fight over Jimi Hendrix’s millions
THE manager and partner of the late Noel Redding are preparing to take action to get royalties from the Jimi Hendrix estate.
Millions are at stake and, if they are successful, the money will be used to turn the bass guitarist’s West Cork home into a music academy and set up a charity to support struggling musicians.
Redding’s manager, Ian Grant, started the battle before the musician died in May 2003, aged 57.
He is determined to continue it and doesn’t want a penny for himself. He also feels that Noel’s partner, Deborah McNaughton is entitled to be looked after.
They are watching a bitter row between Hendrix relatives in the US courts over his $400 million estate.
Mr Grant said a tentative offer of €20,000 has been made to Noel Redding’s partner, which he described bluntly as “go away money.” However, Mr Grant is not going away.
“He (Redding) was definitely entitled to a few million. This year, one way or another, we hope to get a decent settlement,” he said.
Redding , who was a member of the Jimmy Hendrix Experience, spent his latter years in Clonakilty.“Deborah and I want to turn his house into a music academy and set up a charity for struggling musicians,” said Mr Grant. “We want to do up his home for the benefit of other musicians.” Deborah McNaughton, who last weekend unveiled a commemorative plague to her partner in Clonakilty and still lives in West Cork, said Redding was an integral part of the Hendrix success but didn’t get what he deserved.
“There should be some compensation. I think he’d be happy with that,” said Ms McNaughton.
The Hendrix family are in a bitter feud and it looks set to tear the Estate of James Allen Hendrix and Experience Hendrix LLC, the business that runs his catalogue, apart.
Leon Hendrix, the brother of Jimmy, is claiming he was cut out of the will when his father, Al, died in 1997.
According to court documents filed in Washington “in early 1997, Al Hendrix, advanced in age and in failing health, gifted away approximately half of his ownership interest in the Hendrix legacy”.
The document alleges Janie Hendrix, Jimmy's sister who now runs the estate, “influenced her father to consolidate the legacy under her control.”
The court petition asks for the removal of Janie Hendrix as trustee and calls for a replacement trustee.
Real name: Johnny Allen Hendrix.
Born: November 27, 1942 in Seattle.
Died: September 18, 1970, London.
Career: Unquestionably one of music’s most influential figures. Hendrix arrived in England in September 1966 and auditioned for a backing group. Noel Redding was selected on bass.
Hendrix played his instrument behind his back, between his legs or, in simulated sexual ecstasy, on the floor. Redding’s clean, uncluttered bass lines provided the backbone to Hendrix’s improvisations.
By 1969 Redding’s relationship with Hendrix had deteriorated.
On June 29, 1969, they played their last concert together.
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