André 3000’s Jimi Hendrix Film Won’t Feature Guitarist’s Original Songs

Here's why.

By Jamilah King Mar 12, 2014

In all of the lead up to Wednesday night’s SXSW premiere of André 3000’s Jimi Hendrix film "Jimi: All is By My Side," what you won’t hear is any original music by the legendary guitarist — despite Andre 3000’s lengthy guitar lessons. The reason why was illuminated a bit more this week after Hendrix’s estate announced that it was backing the first-ever authorized project based on the singer’s life with ICM Partners.

Hendrix’s family has accused the "Jimi: All is By My Side" filmmakers of moving forward with the project without their official permission and thus denied John Ridley and company the right to use any of the singer’s classics, including "Purple Haze" and "The Wind Cries Mary." Instead, the producers set the film to take place before Hendrix’s rise to fame and will feature Hendrix’s covers of other artists. 

The film that Hendrix’s estate does back will be the first-ever project that’s been done with the cooperation of the family, despite previous efforts by folks including Ridley, Eddie Murphy and Will Smith. It will reportedly feature some of Hendrix’s greatest hits, including "Foxey Lady," "Purple Haze" and "Voodoo Chile." The Hendrix estate — Experience Hendrix LLC — is helmed by Janie Hendrix, the rock star’s sister, who said the following, according to Deadline:

"We’re delighted to be associated with ICM Partners on this project that’s been a long time coming," Janie Hendrix said. "Our concern has always been that any biography of Jimi that employs his music be held to the very highest standard of cinematic excellence. His musical legacy deserves no less. Our partners at ICM are ideal insofar as they completely understand that the use of his music in such a film is a monumental responsibility that will resonate through generations to come as Jimi’s artistry has since the 1960s."