Bidder takes flyer at Hendrix song rights

CHICAGO, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- An unnamed bidder at a Chicago auction put down a $15 million bet that he could walk away with the rights to the music of rock legend Jimi Hendrix.

The Chicago Tribune reported Saturday that the bidder, even though he won the rights at the auction, would still have to win in court down the road.

The rights are being bitterly disputed by Hendrix's stepsister, Janie Hendrix, whose Seattle-based company is Experience Hendrix. The Chicago auction was held by Ocean Tomo, a firm that also claims it holds the rights to the Hendrix catalog and seeks to create a public market for the music.

Hendrix biographer Charles Cross told the Tribune that despite its twisted legal history, the song catalog that includes classics such as "Purple Haze" and "Foxy Lady," generates about $10 million annually.

Jimi Hendrix died in a London hotel room in 1970 of an alleged drug overdose. He left no will and his money was passed to his father, Al, who died in 2002. Al Hendrix left control to his estate to various relatives, including Janie.