Joel Katz, Longtime Music Industry Attorney, Dies at 80

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It’s been confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter that Joel Katz, a long-standing, influential music lawyer whose clientele included legends such as James Brown, B.B. King, Willie Nelson, and the Recording Academy, has passed away. At the time of his death, he was 80 years old.

For several decades, Katz held a prestigious position as a top-tier lawyer in the music industry, playing a pivotal role in securing major deals such as the Recording Academy’s ten-year $600 million agreement with CBS for the Grammys (this deal will conclude next year, with the Grammys transferring to Disney). Additionally, he was an influential figure during the Michael Jackson estate’s sale of its $750 million stake in Sony/ATV Publishing.

(In a more concise form): Katz, a well-known lawyer, worked on significant deals like the Recording Academy’s $600 million 10-year agreement with CBS for the Grammys and the Michael Jackson estate’s $750 million sale of its stake in Sony/ATV Publishing.

As a gaming aficionado, I’ve been fortunate enough to work with an impressive roster of clients that spans the music industry. From Big Machine Label Group and Jason Owen, to Sandbox Entertainment, BMG, the legendary Kenny Chesney, the versatile Justin Timberlake, and the charismatic Brad Paisley – just to name a few.

From Atlanta, Katz served as the initial head of the entertainment and media department at law firm Greenberg Traurig for approximately a quarter-century, from 1998 to 2020. He decided to leave the firm in 2021, transitioning to Barnes and Thornburg. In 2016, Katz was bestowed with City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Award, joining other notable figures in the industry such as Irving Azoff, Coran Capshaw, and Lucian Grainge who have also received this recognition.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Jason Owen, CEO of The Sandbox, expressed: “Though the master builder is no longer here, the design he left – characterized by courage and faith in his clients – will indelibly mark this field. Joel was not just a friend, but also my advocate and an extraordinary influence. He saw potential in me before I could see it in myself. I’ll deeply miss his laughter, his sharp intellect, and even the casual 15-minute phone calls he’d bill me for. He meant the world to me, and his absence will be felt every day.

2020 saw Katz caught up in a controversy, following accusations made by Deborah Dugan, the former CEO of the Recording Academy, just before her high-profile dismissal. Dugan alleged that Katz had sexually harassed her in a complaint filed with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Additionally, she raised concerns about the fairness of the Grammy voting process. Katz refuted these allegations.

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2025-04-18 21:24