In a comprehensive opinion filed July 24, 2006, the (State of) Washington Court of Appeals, affirmed the November, 2004 decision denying Leon Hendrix’s challenge to the Last Will and Testament of James Allen (“Al”) Hendrix, father and sole heir of famed rock star Jimi Hendrix. The lawsuit had alleged that Janie Hendrix had unduly influenced Al Hendrix to disinherit Leon Hendrix. Leon Hendrix had argued that undue influence should have been presumed, because of Janie’s close relationship with Al. The three-judge appellate court unanimously concluded that Janie Hendrix had successfully rebutted any such presumption and the trial court’s findings were supported by the substantial evidence admitted during the eight week trial.

The Court of Appeals also rejected Leon Hendrix’s separate lawsuit alleging that Janie had “tortious interference with [his] inheritance expectancy".” On appeal, Leon argued that even though the will contest had been dismissed, he should be permitted to bring a separate lawsuit against Janie Hendrix based on the same facts. Rejecting that argument, the Court of Appeals held: “We decline to adopt the tort of interference with an inheritance expectancy on the facts of this case, give that Leon’s tort claim arises out of the same nucleus of facts as his will contest and his allegations are duplicative.”

On hearing of the Court’s decision, Janie Hendrix expressed satisfaction that this unfortunate challenge to Al Hendrix’s last wishes is, at last, nearing a conclusion. “All of us at Experience Hendrix are looking forward to continuing our efforts to maintain and protect the legacy of Jimi Hendrix, keeping his music alive for generations to come,” she commented. “That work is the fulfillment of my father’s vision and we will strive to honor his wishes now and in the future.”

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