Hendrix Bandmates’ Estates Lose Court Case Against Sony Music
The estates of Jimi Hendrix Experience bandmates Noel Redding and Mitch Mitchell lost a UK High Court case against Sony Music over claims to royalty income from Hendrix's recordings. The court ruled that the 1966 Recording Agreement granted exclusive rights to Hendrix's managers, not the bandmates, and that prior financial settlements invalidated the estates' claims. Sony, which distributes the music under license from Hendrix's estate, was found to have no financial obligation to the claimants. The decision upholds the current ownership structure of the iconic rock catalog.
- ▪The UK High Court dismissed the lawsuit, ruling that Redding and Mitchell were not co-owners of the copyrights in Jimi Hendrix's recordings.
- ▪The court found that financial settlements paid to Redding and Mitchell in 1973 invalidated their estates' claims to future royalties.
- ▪Sony Music distributes Hendrix's recordings under license from Experience Hendrix LLC, the entity controlled by Hendrix's family.
- ▪The 1966 Recording Agreement gave managers Michael Jeffery and Chas Chandler exclusive rights to exploit the group's recordings.
- ▪Albums like 'Are You Experienced' and 'Electric Ladyland' have achieved multi-platinum status, underlining the financial stakes involved.
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BusinessHollywood & EntertainmentHendrix Bandmates’ Estates Lose Court Case Against Sony MusicByProf. Mike Alleyne Ph.D,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Professor Mike Alleyne Ph.D is an award-winning author and editor.Follow AuthorApr 28, 2026, 06:31pm EDT--:-- / --:--This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.This voice experience is generated by AI. Learn more.The 2021 lawsuit sought shares in the royalty income from Hendrix’s recordings, including from streaming platforms.American guitarist and singer Jimi Hendrix (1942-1970) seated on right with, on left, drummer Mitch Mitchell (1946-2008) and, behind in centre, bassist Noel Redding (1945-2003) of the Jimi Hendrix Experience, in London circa August 1967.
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