Leon Morris Hendrix (born January 13, 1948) is an American painter, songwriter, and musician. Although better known for his artwork, he began playing the guitar in 2002 and has since released multiple albums. He is the younger brother of blues rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
Personal life
He suffered from drug addiction and he spent time in prison for minor offenses.[1]
He is married and is the father of six and grandfather of four.
Hendrix was employed for many years as an expert draftsman by Boeing.[citation needed] In recent years Hendrix has been attempting to make a living from music and art.[2] The Leon Hendrix Band released two albums, Keeper of the Flame in 2006, as well as the earlier Seattle Rain.[3] In 2012, Hendrix published a biography of his brother titled Jimi Hendrix: A Brother's Story. It was co-written by Adam Mitchell and published by St. Martin's Press.
Estate dispute
When Leon's father, Al, died in 2002, his will left control of the company Experience Hendrix, which controls the rights to Jimi Hendrix's estate, to Al's adopted daughter, Janie Hendrix, and his nephew, Robert Hendrix.[4] Leon sued to have his father's will overturned but in 2004 the court ruled that Leon "was not entitled to anything from his father's will, other than a single gold record left to him when his father died in 2002."[5]
Documentary
Leon appeared in the 2004 documentary about his brother, Jimi Hendrix: By Those Who Knew Him Best, that also featured musician Sammy Drain and Octavia inventor Roger Mayer.[6]
Later years
In 2021, Hendrix released his album If You Need a Friend. The title song was co-written by Brin Addison. The album is a mixture of genres from psychedelic rock to funk and blues. Seattle artist Annie O’Neill also sings on the album. It also features the song, "Crying from them Blues.[7][8]
