ASCAP Renews Agreement With JIMI HENDRIX

ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, the world leader in performing rights and advocacy for music creators, has announced that Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., the official family company founded by James “Al” Hendrix, father and sole heir of legendary guitar hero and rock icon Jimi Hendrix, has renewed its agreement for representation of public performances of his songwriting catalog. The Hendrix repertory is among the multitude of valuable “classic rock” works that ASCAP represents, including songs from AC/DC, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Black Sabbath, Bob Seger, The Cars, Deep Purple, The Doors, Frank Zappa, Grateful Dead, James Taylor, Jeff Lynne (ELO), KISS, Led Zeppelin, Neil Young, Peter Frampton, Pink Floyd, Queen, Steely Dan, Tom Petty and Van Halen.

“Jimi Hendrix joined ASCAP in 1968 and we’ve proudly represented his repertory for decades,” said ASCAP EVP Membership John Titta. “Hendrix was such a pivotal figure and talent in rock and roll. There will never be another like him and we’re privileged to play a role in helping his influence live on.”

“We want to share Jimi’s legacy with as many people as possible,” said Janie Hendrix, President and CEO of Experience Hendrix, L.L.C., which owns and publishes Hendrix’s songs. “We know we can count on ASCAP to look after his music wherever it is heard and for the kind of in-depth data that we need as the stewards of his catalog.”

Widely recognized as one of the most creative and influential musicians of the 20th century, Jimi Hendrix pioneered the explosive possibilities of the electric guitar. His innovative style combining fuzz, feedback and controlled distortion created a new musical form. Hendrix’s debut, Are You Experienced, remains one of the most popular rock albums of all time, featuring songs like “Purple Haze,” “The Wind Cries Mary,” “Foxey Lady,” “Fire,” and “Are You Experienced?” His incendiary performances at the Monterey International Pop Festival in 1967 and Woodstock in 1969 cemented his legacy as a superstar. From demo recordings to finished masters, Hendrix generated an amazing collection of songs over the course of his short career and continues to be one of the most popular figures in the history of rock music.

On August 28, Experience Hendrix/ Legacy Recordings released Freedom: Atlanta Pop Festival, which celebrates the guitar god’s July 4, 1970 concert at the Second Atlanta International Pop Festival. The record captures Hendrix’s performance in front of an estimated 300,000-400,000 people – the largest audience he ever played to in the U.S.. The album debuted at #63 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.