Jimi Hendrix’s Family Wants his Black Widow Guitar Back

One of the guitars belonging to late rock icon Jimi Hendrix is at the centre of a theft suit.

Janie Hendrix, sister of legendary musician Jimi Hendrix, stands next to of one of the displays at the Jimi Hendrix Gallery at the Experience Music Project (E.M.P.) in Seattle, Washington. (Photo: Reuters)

A company owned and operated by the family of Jimi Hendrix is suing a former family member over the alleged theft of one of the late rock icon’s guitars – according to court documents.

The suit was filed in Los Angeles Superior Court by Experience Hendrix LLC.  According to the filing, this company “runs the merchandise, music licensing and catalogue management” of the late “Purple Haze” musician, reported The Wrap.

Experience Hendrix claimed that Sheldon Reynolds, ex-husband of Janie Hendrix (who is Jimi Hendrix’s sister), wrongfully took possession of a Black Widow guitar and contacted Julien’s Auctions last year for help in selling it. Janie Hendrix serves as Experience Hendrix’s CEO.

According to the suit, Experience Hendrix had no idea that Reynolds had the guitar until Julien’s contacted the company to verify its authenticity.

The suit said the guitar is the real deal – but that it doesn’t belong to Reynolds.

Defendant Reynolds claims that he obtained the Black Widow in a divorce settlement with Janie Hendrix, or that a friend of his was directed by Janie’s 14-year-old son to take a pile of Reynolds’ belongings that included the Black Widow.
– Lawsuit

“Neither story is true, as the Black Widow is owned by Plaintiff, and has never been the property of Janie Hendrix.”

Alleging conversion, slander of title and other charges, Experience Hendrix is seeking damages of “at least USD 750,000.”

It also wants the Black Widow back.