BREAKING: Joel Katz, Prominent Music Industry Attorney, Passes Away

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Joel Katz

Renowned music industry attorney Joel Katz has passed away at the age of 80, MusicRow has confirmed.

Katz was the founding chairman of the global entertainment and media practice at Greenberg Traurig and played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of countless artists, producers and executives. Over his decades-long career, he represented a wide-ranging roster of legendary clients, including James Brown, Jimmy Buffett, Jamie Foxx, Steve Harvey, Faith Hill, Julio Iglesias, Alan Jackson, the Estate of Michael Jackson, Kris Kristofferson, Little Big Town, Ludacris, Tim McGraw, L.A. Reid, George Strait, James Taylor, Justin Timberlake, TLC and many more. He also served as counsel to major industry organizations such as the Recording Academy and the Country Music Association.

Beyond artist representation, Katz helped shape the modern entertainment industry by facilitating corporate acquisitions and mergers and consulting for multi-national and multi-media entertainment companies.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Katz earned his law degree from the University of Tennessee and spent the majority of his life and career in Atlanta.

In 2021, he stepped down from Greenberg Traurig and joined Barnes & Thornburg, bringing clients including Mike Dungan and Randy Goodman with him.

At one time, Katz was ranked Billboard’s No. 1 entertainment attorney on its Power 100 list of the music industry’s most powerful executives. He also made a lasting impact on education, endowing and establishing a commercial music program at Kennesaw State University—now one of the largest music education programs in the U.S. In recognition of his contributions, the University of Tennessee College of Law named its library in his honor: the Joel A. Katz Law Library.

Katz was also known for his philanthropy, particularly his support of City of Hope and the T.J. Martell Foundation. Over the years, he was honored numerous times, including receiving the Recording Academy’s prestigious Trustees Award.

A service for Katz will be held on Tuesday, April 22 at 3:00 p.m. at Arlington Memorial Park (201 Mt Vernon Hwy NW, Sandy Springs, GA 30328) followed Shivah at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Temple Sinai (5645 Dupree Dr., Atlanta, GA 30327.)

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Katz’ memory may be made to the Mayo Clinic: Joel and Rikki Katz PSP Research Fund (Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905.)

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