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Joel Katz Obituary
His legacy lives on through his cherished family: his wife Rikki Katz, sisters Judy Harrow and Janie Emerson, brother Aaron Katz, his daughters Dr. Leslie Katz Lestz and Jeni Katz Paul, son-in-law Marshall Lestz and his adored grandchildren, Yossi, Ezra, Tzila, and Skylar.
Joel's profound impact on the entertainment world stemmed from his groundbreaking work facilitating entertainment-related corporate acquisitions and mergers. Multi-national and multi-media entertainment companies sought his insightful counsel and innovative approach, recognizing him as a true architect of the industry's evolution.
His influence reached the pinnacle of the music business, with Billboard magazine ranking him as the No. 1 entertainment attorney in its prestigious "Power 100." Known as "the dealmaker who thinks outside the box," Joel's strategic thinking and unparalleled negotiation skills left an enduring mark that spanned from individuals to global corporations.
Beyond his legal achievements, Joel was deeply committed to education. His passionate endowment and leadership in creating the commercial music program at Kennesaw State University stand as a testament to this commitment. The program has flourished into one of the largest in America, shaping the futures of over 500 students.
A respected voice in legal scholarship, Joel authored and co-authored numerous articles on entertainment law. His significant contributions were further honored by the University of Tennessee College of Law, which dedicated its library as the Joel A. Katz Law Library.
Joel's legacy extends beyond his professional triumphs. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and a cherished friend to many. His warmth, wisdom, and innovative spirit will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The service will be held Tuesday April 22th at 3:00 PM Arlington Memorial Park 201 Mt Vernon Hwy NW Sandy Springs, GA 30328 followed Shivah at 5:00PM Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at Temple Sinai 5645 Dupree Dr Atlanta, GA 30327.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Joel's memory may be made to the Mayo Clinic: Joel and Rikki Katz PSP Research Fund. Mayo Clinic 200 First Street SW Rochester, MN 55905 https://www.mayoclinic.org/giving-to-mayo-clinic
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jill Milbry
April 24, 2025
Sending my deepest condolences to you and the entire family during this difficult time.
Jay Howard
April 22, 2025
My condolences to Rikki and daughters and family! May his legacy continue to live! I will miss my good friend!
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Larry Weissman
April 22, 2025
Joel was a warm, wonderful man. It was an honor to have known him. - Larry Weissman
Greg Stillion
April 22, 2025
My condolences go out to a great man family 's and a great man. He will be missed by many. Joel is a good friend. Will be missed
Laura Robinson
April 22, 2025
My sincere condolences to the family. What an amazing life this man had. He touched so many lives in the entertainment world AND students at KSU. Thank you. You will be missed.
Lance Freed
April 21, 2025
Joel was a tireless advocate for fairness in the Music Industry. He was a dear friend, an advocate for fairness and passionately represented his clients. I will miss him. I am deeply saddened by his loss
Leslie Ann Jones
April 20, 2025
I feel fortunate to have spent so much time with Joel. We met through our shared service with the Recording Academy. He was Chairman of the Board and I was a Trustee from San Francisco. We went on to collaborate on many initiatives and programs and I learned so much from my time with him. He was kind and giving, all the while making huge deals for his clients. He was a one of a kind and his presence impacted so many lives and careers. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Ray Stratton
April 20, 2025
The short time I knew Joel at 675 West Paces Ferry while working there was special and friendly. He always had a kind word and enjoyed his conversations. He will be missed! Ray Stratton
Eric Stephenson
April 20, 2025
I´m am so sorry for your loss. May peace surround you in grieving such an incredible man. From the moment I met Joel, he made me feel like part of his family
-Eric Stephenson
Greg Pridgeon
April 19, 2025
Joel was a dear friend and confidant. I appreciate all he did for my family over the decades. He will be missed
Greg Pridgeon & Family
Liban Soleman
April 19, 2025
Africa´s Eulogy for Joel Katz
Today, Africa weeps.
We weep not just for the loss of a man, but for the departure of a soul who chose us, loved us, and lifted us when the world still doubted our sound, our worth, our future.
Joel Katz was not born on our soil, but he became one of our own. He saw in us what many overlooked-he heard the heartbeat of Afrobeats before it echoed across continents. And when others hesitated, he stepped forward. He brokered the first major contracts for the children of our sound-Davido, Tiwa Savage, and the first generation of artists who would carry Africa´s voice to the world. He didn´t just open doors; he built them where none existed. He lobbied for creators rights in the ears of the most powerfull leaders and helped establish nunerous Collective Rights Organizations on the continent.
He believed not just in stars, but in systems. With Berklee School of Music, he helped launch training programs that empowered thousands across our continent. He released open-source knowledge, free and wide, because he knew our greatness would be multiplied by shared wisdom. He raised children he never met, gave strength to voices he never heard, and planted seeds in places he also walked and always dreamed for.
Africa called him "Baba." Because to us, he was a father. To me, he was an angel. In my most fragile hours, Joel whispered clarity and gave me the courage to rise. And I know I was not alone. Many of us carry his light, quiet, steady, unconditional.
Now he rests, but his legacy roars. In the music we dance to. In the contracts we sign. In the dreams we dare chase.
Africa does not forget.
Thank you, Joel Katz. You were one of us. You always will be.
Liban Soleman
Linda. Blagburn
April 19, 2025
You'll be greatly missed. You was adored and loved by many now our hearts are sad. Peace be with you Joe
Charlotte Long
April 19, 2025
Joel Katz was a very smart and ambitious man who loved family dearly. Rest in peace.
Adam Dayton Gibson
April 19, 2025
Joel Katz worked hard enough for three lifetimes. May he rest in peace.
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