Jimi Hendrix’s lost final recordings are to be finally released thanks to a new deal between the rock legend's sister and bosses at Universal Music Publishing Group.
As part of the deal with Experience Hendrix, which is run by the guitar great's sibling Janie, Universal has become the exclusive administrator of the Jimi Hendrix catalogue throughout the world for the next five years.
The agreement covers all commercial opportunities, including licensing for films, TV and advertising campaigns.
Universal Music Publishing replaces Sony/ATV Music Publishing, which had administered the Hendrix catalogue outside the United States since 1998. The U.S. publishing rights will continue to be handled by Experience Hendrix and Janie Hendrix.
Hendrix hopes the deal will also spark fresh interest in her brother's material, and she is planning to release the guitarist's final recordings - as a sweetener to fans. She says, "Currently, I am in the studio transferring tapes of Band of Gypsys performances that have never been released before."
And Experience Hendrix also expects to release CDs and DVDs later this year (09), which showcase live performances by the Jimi Hendrix Experience at London's Royal Albert Hall in February, 1969.
Universal chairman David Renzer insists the new five-year deal is a real coup for his company: "Janie has done an amazing job of keeping the music and Hendrix's legacy alive. They have a great reissue program in place and they are doing a great job of protecting his legacy."
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