Ayako “June” Fujita, the stepmother of the iconic guitarist Jimi Hendrix, dedicated herself to creating a warm and loving home for her family. Despite experiencing World War II in a relocation camp, June found joy in laughter, shopping, and engaging conversations with friends she made along her journey.
Born to Kimiko Shimamura and Kumaichi Fujita in Puyallup, June moved to Japan at 7 to live with her grandparents and attend school. Returning to the U.S. at 22, she endured internment during World War II at Idaho’s Minidoka Relocation Camp, where she married and later divorced Satoshi Jinka.
June and Al Hendrix’s Marriage
June’s path led her through various roles, from a tailor and presser at a dry cleaner’s to a dedicated housekeeper. Fate intervened when she met James “Al” Hendrix, Jimi Hendrix’s father, whom she married in 1966. Embracing Al’s children from a previous marriage as her own, June also convinced him to adopt her youngest child, Janie Hendrix, formally. The couple met through a mutual friend, Delores Kurber, and bonded over shared interests. June, who affectionately went by the name “June” due to her birth month, had five children: William, Marsha, Linda, Donna, and Janie.
The second wife of Al Hendrix played a significant role in Jimi Hendrix’s life. Despite her initial unfamiliarity with Jimi’s music, Mrs. Hendrix grew to love his tunes, with “Foxy Lady,” “Purple Haze,” and “All Along the Watchtower” becoming her favorites.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn when, in July 1995, the rights to Jimi Hendrix’s recordings transfer to his father, Al Hendrix. Aging at 76, Al entrusts the management of Jimi’s estate to Janie Hendrix, his step-daughter and adoptive daughter from his marriage to Ayako ‘June’ Fujita. This decision sparked controversy, as Janie had limited direct contact with Jimi Hendrix during childhood.
Born around the time Jimi entered the army in 1961, Janie met him only briefly at the age of 8 or 9 and never lived in the same household or witnessed his concerts. Despite these circumstances, Janie Hendrix assumes the custodian role for her late stepbrother/adoptive brother’s musical legacy.
Al Hendrix and June lived together on Queen Anne Hill until amicably separating in 1986. June passed away in 1999, and Al Hendrix died on April 10, 2002, marking the end of an era for the Hendrix family. However, the legacy continues, now in the hands of Ayako ‘June’ Fujita, daughter Janie Hendrix.
FAQ’S
How Much Is Jimi Hendrix’s Estate Worth Today?
Despite Jimi Hendrix’s death in 1970, his estate remains lucrative, generating approximately $6.6 million in the previous year alone. The current estimated worth of Jimi Hendrix’s estate stands at an impressive $175 million.
Who Is the Heir to Jimi Hendrix?
Jimi Hendrix’s estate heir was his father, James Allen “Al” Hendrix. Subsequently, Al Hendrix collaborated with his daughter, Janie, to establish Experience Hendrix. Following Al Hendrix’s passing in 2002, Janie has continued to lead and manage the company.
Why Did Al Hendrix Change His Son’s Name?
Al Hendrix changed his son’s name from Johnny Allen to James Marshall. The motivation behind this decision was Al’s imaginative concern that the name Johnny Allen might be associated with someone Lucille was seeing during his absence. Jimi later altered the spelling of his name to “Jimi” in 1966, following a suggestion from Brian “Chas” Chandler, the bass player for the Animals, who discovered him at Cafe Wha? in New York.
How Does Janie Hendrix Contribute to Preserving Jimi Hendrix’s Legacy
Jimi Hendrix’s step-sister, Janie Hendrix, currently holds the positions of CEO and President at Experience Hendrix, L.L.C. In these roles, she actively manages and oversees the business affairs related to Jimi Hendrix’s estate.
Janie has been instrumental in curating and releasing posthumous albums, handling music licensing, and leading various projects to preserve and promote Jimi Hendrix’s legacy. Her role involves strategic decision-making to ensure the continued impact and visibility of Jimi Hendrix’s contributions to music.
