Hendrix Bandmates’ Estates Lose Court Case Against Sony Music

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. (Photo by Ivan Keeman/Redferns)RedfernsThe royalty lawsuit filed by the estates of former Jimi Hendrix Experience bandmates, bassist Noel Redding and drummer Mitch Mitchell, has been dismissed by the U.K. High Court. The judgement determined that the claimants were not co-owners of the copyrights in Hendrix’s recordings and therefore that Sony Music had not infringed their copyright.The decision, handed down on Tuesday, April 28, is the outcome of a lawsuit filed over copyright and performers’ rights related to the group’s three hit albums released between 1967 and 1968. The complainants sued Sony Music, although the company’s barrister, Robert Howe KC, says that it is merely distributing Hendrix’s music under license from his estate. The albums were originally released by Polydor Records in the U.K. and around the world, and by Reprise Records in the U.S.The London court ruled that under the Recording Agreement made in 1966, manager Michael Jeffery (d. 1973) and co-manager and producer Chas Chandler (d. 1996) exclusively owned the copyright to the group’s material.UNSPECIFIED - JANUARY 01: Photo of JIMI HENDRIX EXPERIENCE and Mitch MITCHELL; Mitch Mitchell performing on stage (Photo by Andrew Macle...