Kendall Minter, the go-to lawyer for many dancehall-reggae acts during the 1980s and 1990s, died in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 6 at age 71.

Minter advised artistes such as Denroy Morgan, Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Third World, Shabba Ranks, and Morgan Heritage.

The New York-born Minter had a strong relationship with Spec Shang Records, the company that managed the careers of Shabba Ranks, Patra and Mad Cobra.

Clifton “Specialist” Dillon and Olivia “Babsy” Grange were principals in that company.

In a statement, Grange, Jamaica’s minister of culture, gender, entertainment, and sport, hailed Minter as someone who gave sound advice.

“Kendall skilfully negotiated contracts on behalf of many of our world-renowned reggae artistes, including Shabba Ranks and others in the Spec Shang group. Other Jamaican reggae artistes who benefited from his highly respected skills as an attorney include Delroy Morgan and Morgan Heritage. Showing exceptional expertise, he dealt with complex legal issues with ease. He was a kind and helpful individual who inspired many. His guidance was invaluable. The law firm Minter and Associates became famous under his leadership,” Grange said.

Attorney Lloyd Stanbury first met Minter during the mid-1980s when he ventured into entertainment law. At the time, the American had a growing reputation in that field and was always willing to share his knowledge.

“I worked very closely with Kendall in the 1990s, and he was also a very valuable resource person at music business workshops and conferences I presented in Jamaica such as the Caribbean Music Expo. Kendall also provided legal guidance and industry development support to Jamaican government entities on several projects,” Stanbury told the Jamaica Observer.

Minter earned a law degree from Cornel Law School in 1976. Two years earlier he received a degree in political science from Cornel University.

He forged a formidable reputation in entertainment and sports law, representing a diverse roster of acts such as jazz legend Lena Horne, South African singer Miriam Makeba, Boyz II Men, The Backstreet Boys, and boxing champions Evander Holyfield and Ray Mercer.

Kendall Minter co-founded the Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association (BESLA) and was former chairman of the Rhythm & Blues Foundation.