The passing of Kendall Minter on December 6, 2023, left an irreplaceable void in the esteemed Greenspoon Marder LLP’s Entertainment & Sports practice group
Kendall Minter’s legacy is one of trailblazing achievements, mentorship, and a commitment to excellence.
As we reflect on his contributions, we acknowledge the void left by his passing while celebrating the enduring impact he had on the world of entertainment law.
It becomes evident that his multifaceted contributions have left an indelible mark on the legal, entertainment, and educational landscapes.
His journey stands as a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and purpose in shaping a remarkable professional trajectory.
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Table of Contents
Kendall Minter: Who Was He?
A Storied Career Spanning Over Three Decades
The legal and entertainment communities are grappling with the profound loss of a luminary who dedicated over 35 years to shaping the landscape of entertainment law.1
Kendall Minter’s influence reached far and wide, making his mark on an industry that will forever remember his contributions.
A graduate with a B.A. from Cornell University and a J.D. from Cornell University School of Law, Minter’s academic background laid the foundation for his illustrious career.
His expertise spanned a spectrum of legal domains, including entertainment, corporate, intellectual property, sports, and new media law.
Founding Minter & Associates, LLC.: A Visionary Endeavor
In 1981, Minter embarked on a groundbreaking journey by founding Minter & Associates, LLC., a boutique law firm catering to a diverse international clientele.
From artists and entertainers to celebrities, his firm represented a broad spectrum of clients, leaving an indelible mark on the legal landscape.
Pioneer of Change: Co-Founder of BESLA
Beyond his private practice, Kendall Minter co-founded the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA) and served as its inaugural Executive Director.
His commitment to the organization extended beyond its inception, as he continued to contribute as a member of BESLA’s Advisory Board.
Additionally, Minter played an active role in the Rhythm & Blues Foundation, showcasing his dedication to the betterment of the industry.
A Multifaceted Legacy: Education and Advocacy
Kendall Minter’s influence wasn’t confined to legal circles; it extended to education and advocacy.
As an Instructor at Georgia State University’s School of Music, he shared his wealth of knowledge with the next generation of legal minds. His commitment to education and mentorship underscored his belief in nurturing talent for the future.
Notably, Minter received recognition for his exceptional contributions to society when he was inducted into the Knights of Malta, O.S.J. This honor speaks volumes about the profound impact he had beyond the legal and entertainment realms.
Kendall Minter’s client roster reads like a who’s who of the entertainment world, including Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Lena Horne, Shabba Ranks, and Jermaine Dupri.
His ability to navigate the complexities of entertainment law endeared him to a diverse clientele, showcasing the breadth of his expertise.
Kendall Minter: Legacy
Delving into the Life of Kendall Minter, a Renowned Music and Entertainment Attorney from Atlanta, GA
In the vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, Kendall Minter left an indelible mark as a distinguished Music and Entertainment Attorney.2
Boasting over four decades of expertise, he became a globally recognized legal luminary in the entertainment industry.
A Pillar of Wisdom in Entertainment Law
Minter’s counsel extended far and wide, covering an array of entertainment-related domains, media intricacies, and intellectual property nuances.
His clientele spanned the spectrum of creative executives and entrepreneurial talents, including actors, musicians, record labels, publishing houses, managers, investors, industry executives, radio announcers, concert promoters, evangelists, producers (music, film, and television), filmmakers, and other creative visionaries.
Beyond the legal realm, Kendall Minter harnessed his passion for global business, education, and law to empower his clients. His core belief was that music, as a universal language, had the power to unite people worldwide.
Navigating the Entertainment Landscape
Minter’s wealth of knowledge encompassed every facet of the entertainment business.
From formulating and negotiating agreements to orchestrating deals for music publishing, record label distribution, 360-degree agreements, endorsements, content licensing, corporate formations, touring, endorsement agreements, and operating agreements — he was a guiding force in the dynamic world of entertainment.
Kendall Minter’s legacy lives on through the countless individuals and entities he guided to success in the entertainment industry.
His passion, coupled with his legal acumen, continues to resonate in the universal language of music, bringing people together and shaping the future of entertainment.
Kendall Minter was not merely an attorney; he was a maestro orchestrating harmony in the diverse and ever-evolving symphony of the entertainment world.
Kendall Minter: Bio
Early Life and Education in New York
Kendall A. Minter’s journey began in the vibrant city of New York. He successfully completed a six-year combined arts/law program at Cornell University, majoring in political science and achieving a B.A. in 1974.
Taking his academic pursuits further, Minter earned a J.D. from Cornell Law School in 1976.
Flourishing Roots at Flushing High School
Minter’s leadership qualities surfaced early on as he served as the senior class president at Flushing High School. These formative experiences paved the way for his future accomplishments in the legal and entertainment spheres.
In 2004, Kendall A. Minter founded Minter & Associates, L.L.C. in the dynamic city of Atlanta, Georgia. Subsequently, he joined forces with the esteemed legal firm, Gibson & Behman, P.C., as Of Counsel.
Minter & Associates, L.L.C. specializes in catering to a diverse clientele, handling matters related to entertainment, corporations, intellectual property, sports, and new media.
Kendall Minter: Career
The Rise of Gibson & Behman
Founded in 1987, Gibson & Behman stands as a mid-sized regional law firm with a focus on litigation, employment law, trademark issues, insurance disputes, company creation and dissolution, bankruptcy, and partnership issues.
The firm boasts a widespread presence with offices across the Northeast, as well as in Florida, California, and the US Virgin Islands.
Kendall Minter played a pivotal role in co-founding the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA), where he currently serves as its co-chairman.
His influence extended as the association’s first Executive Director, a position he held from 1979 until approximately 1986.
A Trailblazer in Entertainment Foundations
Minter’s involvement extended beyond BESLA; he assumed the role of Chairman on the Rhythm & Blues Foundation Board of Directors.
Additionally, he held director positions in the Living Legends Foundation and Sound Exchange, Inc. Notably, Minter has also dedicated his time to directorial roles in organizations like the 100 Black Men and the American Youth Hostels.
Kendall Minter’s passion for education led him to Georgia State University, where he served as an assistant professor at the School of Music.
In this capacity, he imparted knowledge on various subjects, including copyright, music publishing, and the intricacies of the music industry.
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