Exploiting Hendrix

On the anniversary of the death of Jimi Hendrix, while listening to my new CD of “Electric Ladyland,” I’m thinking about Chuck Phillips’ ” . . . and the Wind Cries Money” (Sept. 16).

I wonder what Hendrix would think about his contribution to modern rock music being capitalized on by merchandisers such as Dell Furano of Winterland Productions, who may soon be hawking Hendrix beach towels, sunglasses, comic books and computer games?

I applaud those who allow only the most appropriate and tasteful use of a late artist’s legacy (such as the Doors organization’s protection of Jim Morrison), but I am nauseated by those who would take the memory of a genius like Hendrix and “Gracelandize” it.

DAN GRAZIANO

Lake Forest