James Daniel Sundquist: He Went to Court Saying He Was Jimi Hendrix’s Son, But the Judge Refused to Believe Him
James Daniel Sundquist has lived his entire life under the shadow of one name: Hendrix. Born in Sweden to a father he would never meet, he grew up carrying the weight of being Jimi Hendrix’s only known son.
Years later, he stepped into a Los Angeles courtroom, determined to prove his bloodline and claim a piece of the fortune left behind. But instead of recognition, he was met with rejection.
There’s no denying the likeness between James and Jimi. The sharp cheekbones, the eyes—photos reveal an uncanny likeness. But that wasn’t enough.
Has he ever found peace after this painful experience? Find out here.
Who Is James Daniel Sundquist?
James Daniel Sundquist was born on October 5, 1969, in Stockholm, Sweden. His mother, Eva Sundquist, had a brief romance with Jimi Hendrix while he was touring in Europe.
Hendrix died in September 1970, when James was not even a year old, leaving the boy to grow up without a father.
In Sweden, James Daniel lived a quiet, private life. Reports say he was shy and often avoided public attention.
Though he inherited Hendrix’s facial features, he never followed in his father’s musical footsteps. He wasn’t a guitarist, singer, or performer. Instead, James Daniel seemed to deliberately shun the spotlight.
Still, the Hendrix name followed him. Every time his story came up in the media, it was never simply “James Daniel Sundquist.” It was always “Jimi Hendrix’s son” or “Jimi Hendrix Jr.”
Identity and Personal Journey
What’s often overlooked is the deeply personal side of James Daniel’s journey. In his early 30s, he reportedly began a gender transition and took the name Nicole.
While much of Europe has been known for its openness, Sweden at that time still held taboos around transitioning. It had been a difficult time for him.
According to his mother, he had struggled with periods of depression because of the lack of acceptance around them. If you think about it, this search for identity has been a recurring theme in his life.
The Fight for Recognition
The first major acknowledgment of James Daniel came in 1975, when a Swedish court ruled that he was legally Jimi Hendrix’s son. At the time, this decision was made without DNA testing, relying instead on evidence and testimony.
While important, this recognition didn’t carry over to the United States, where proving paternity would’ve required exhuming his father’s remains, a complex and costly process.
In 1994, James Daniel filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court to establish his right to a share of Jimi’s estate. By then, the estate was worth between $30 million and $90 million.
But James Daniel entered the courtroom not just seeking money, but acknowledgment. Yet the court didn’t side with him. With no DNA test and Jimi’s father, Al Hendrix, already recognized as the rightful heir, his claim was denied.
Previously, Al had reached a settlement with his mother, Eva, offering her $1 million as compensation. After the ruling, James Daniel reportedly said: “I’m not angry with Al. I just feel I’ve been treated unfairly. I want people to know that I am not a fake.” Honestly, I could feel his heartbreak.
Career and Net Worth
Unlike many celebrity children, James Daniel never pursued fame. Reports suggest he dabbled in technology and may have started a small company while in college, but details are scarce.
As for his net worth, nothing concrete is available. He didn’t receive a share of Jimi’s wealth and has kept his personal finances private. It’s also unclear whether he ever saw any portion of the $1 million settlement Al once paid his mother in the 1990s.
When Jimi died without a will, Al became the sole heir to the estate. At the time, it wasn’t worth much, just a few thousand dollars and some royalties trickling in.
But as Jimi’s music grew in influence and posthumous releases flooded the market, the estate swelled to tens of millions. Al managed it until his death in 2002, after which control passed to Jimi’s stepsister, Janie Hendrix.
The Hendrix estate is now reportedly worth $175 millions, but James Daniel lives far from that wealth.
Where Is James Daniel Sundquist Now?
Today, James Daniel Sundquist lives away from the public eye. He doesn’t appear in interviews, doesn’t give statements, and rarely, if ever, shows up in the media. That choice in itself feels like an answer.
Peace doesn’t always mean justice. It doesn’t always mean winning the fight. Sometimes, peace is in stepping away and in letting the noise fade.
Wrapping Up
Imagine being known around the world for a connection—to a legend, no less—you never got to experience. All James Daniel Sundquist inherited was a name and a resemblance.
More than the money, his lawsuit was about validation. And when that validation never came, he was left to pick up the pieces privately.
This is where I think his story resonates with many of us. Haven’t we all wanted recognition at some point? Haven’t we felt overlooked, even when we knew our truth? What do you think of this story?
Featured image source: Google
