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Joel Katz, who was one of the world's best-known music and related rights lawyers, died at the age of 80. Joel Katz represented artists from very diversified genres. Among his major clients were Michael Jackson and James Brown. He also represented Whitney Houston's estate. He was the attorney for B.B. King, Willie Nelson, Julio Iglesias, and George Jones as well. They influenced various periods of music and relied on Katz with their legal requirements.
For the country music world, Katz represented several stars. Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, and George Strait are a few of the singers he has worked with. The duo Brooks & Dunn, Brad Paisley, and Little Big Town were also represented by him. These examples indicate how his roots went deep into country music.
In pop and hip-hop, Katz collaborated with the likes of Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, and Ludacris (Chris Bridges). He also handled Justin Timberlake, TLC, and actor-singers such as Jamie Foxx and Steve Harvey. Katz's projects kept him linked with talent spanning generations and genres.
More about Joel Katz
For decades, Joel Katz worked behind the scenes, influencing careers, negotiating legal deals, and handling the biggest names in entertainment and music. From iconic musicians to major music corporations, Katz was a big influence on the business end of the industry.
He was famous for facilitating deals for among the most influential artists and corporations. Whether a music publishing, touring, branding, or record deal, Katz was usually the go-to individual artists and executives trusted. His efforts reached close to every edge of the music industry, ranging from pop and hip-hop to country and soul.
Some of the top names in various genres were on his client list. His legal practice also assisted numerous industry organizations and negotiated billion-dollar deals. Katz's death brings an end to an era of music law and business.
What companies and industry groups did he work with?
Katz also served large corporations and record labels. He represented Big Machine Label Group, BMG, and Sandbox Entertainment. These firms represent leading artists and broker some of the biggest music deals. Katz assisted them with contracts, strategy, and legal matters.
He was also legal counsel to industry groups. He worked with The Recording Academy, the organization that hosts the Grammy Awards. He represented them in negotiations for a 10-year deal with CBS for $600 million to broadcast the Grammys. Katz also advised the Country Music Association, which is one of the preeminent organizations for country music.
Other clients of his included executives such as L.A. Reid, Jason Owen, Mike Dungan, and Randy Goodman. These are individuals who head record labels and talent agencies. Katz advised them in their businesses legally and ensured agreements conformed to industry practice.
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What was his impact on the music industry?
Katz's influence extended beyond assisting artists and corporations. He assisted in determining the way music deals are done today. A good example is his part in negotiating the $750 million sale of Michael Jackson estate's interest in Sony/ATV Publishing. That transaction was one of the largest music deals in history.
He was also a teacher and guide. Katz also worked with law schools and backed up programs for training new lawyers in entertainment. He delivered lectures and imparted his knowledge so that the future generation of music lawyers could learn.
Katz's name was recognized across the industry. He maintained a network of more than 6,000 contacts. Most of them were leading artists, producers, and music executives. The relationships helped him seal deals and gain credibility in the business.
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Joel Katz was perhaps one of the most significant minds in terms of entertainment law. His efforts aided numerous artists and firms in going on to achieve behind the scenes. Global superstars to big record labels, his roster of clients reflected his extensive penetration in the field.
Joel Katz brokered deals that transformed music-making, selling, and sharing. He ensured artists' rights and facilitated business expansion. Though he avoided the limelight, his presence was always felt. As the music industry looks back at his life, Joel Katz leaves behind a legacy of legal achievements that backed decades of music history.
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