John Branca: Entertainment Law Maestro
John Bowie – When your legal practice represents music icons like Elvis Presley, The Beach Boys, The Rolling Stones and Michael Jackson you are more than just an ‘entertainment lawyer’, you are instead John Branca, one of the most feted entertainment lawyers ever.
Is he the most powerful lawyer in Hollywood?
When I met him in his office in LA in the early 1980s he was handling a vast array of legal matters for musical and acting luminaries. On his desk sat a heavyweight stack of contracts for a Prince tour. There was little he couldn’t or wouldn’t do in the big league entertainment world.
John Branca didn’t always have his sights set on the legal intricacies of the music world. A former guitar player in a rock band, he spent his time buying single records and began his legal career representing both entertainment and sports figures.
John Branca’s Early Days
Born on December 11, 1950, in Bronxville, New York, Branca’s journey into the realm of entertainment law began with his education, after earning a Bachelor’s degree from Occidental College, followed by a Juris Doctor from UCLA School of Law in 1975, where his passion for law and entertainment began to harmonize.
In his early days at law he represented the National Basketball Association players along with world champion motorcycle racers as well as providing legal work for the Beach Boys and Bob Dylan, Neil Diamond and George Harrison.
John Branca Career Milestones
Branca’s career crescendoed quickly. He became a partner at the age of 29 at the prestigious law firm Ziffren, Brittenham, Branca, and Fischer and easily making the list of one of the ‘big deal’ entertainment lawyers in America.
Ziffren Brittenham is headed by the legendary Hollywood Power Broker Skip Brittenham, who has repped artists like Harrison Ford, Ridley Scott, Skydance Entertainment and others.
Although Ziffren Brittenham may not be in the big law league of major law firms (including the big law entertainment list), it is one of the most powerful entertainment law firms in Los Angeles.
The Branca Client List
His client list, identified in his own website at JohnBranca.com, reads like a who’s who of the music industry, including Aerosmith, the Beach Boys, Bob Dylan, the Doors, Dr. Dre, Earth, Wind and Fire, ELO, Fleetwood Mac, John Fogerty, Don Henley, Elton John, Nirvana, the estate of Otis Redding, Smokey Robinson, the estate of Elvis Presley and the Rolling Stones.
There are also those from the sports world such as Mike Tyson, the comedians Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy and the Vatican, independent record labels such as Interscope Records and Rhino Records and industry investors such as JVC, Matsushita and Vivendi.
His most notable collaboration was with the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Branca played a pivotal role in negotiating the deal for Jackson’s purchase of the ATV Music Publishing catalog, which included a significant portion of The Beatles’ songbook, a landmark move in the industry.
The Jackson involvement has recently received some publicity with the proceedings brought by Jackson’s mother over a dispute involving a relatively paltry half million dollar in legal expenses in an estate valued at around $2 billion.
His strategic acumen wasn’t just limited to traditional legal work. Branca was instrumental in crafting revolutionary deals that reshaped the business model of the music industry.
From restructuring artist contracts to negotiating record-breaking tour deals, Branca’s fingerprints can be found on some of the most significant contracts and transactions in music history.
A Glimpse into Branca’s Life Away from the Spotlight
Despite his high-profile career, John Branca has maintained a relatively private personal life. With three children, a son from his first wife and two daughters from his second wife, model Jenna Hurt Branca, from whom he recently separated. (Pictured with children in Venice, below left).
He is now believed to be dating Jamaican super model Kamini Chin Loy.
Branca’s family has a rich history in entertainment and public service. His mother, Barbara Werle, was a renowned dancer, famously winning the Harvest Moon Ball and appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show.
His father made his mark as Mt. Vernon, NY’s Recreation Commissioner and later as a New York State Assemblyman. An accomplished high school pitcher, he contributed significantly to sports and recreation, earning commendations from President Kennedy.
His Ralph Branca, was a distinguished baseball player for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
His passion for music extends beyond the courtroom; he is known for his love of playing guitar.
He is heavily involved in a variety of charitable causes, including animal sanctuaries, gun charities, UCLA and educational charities and many music and artistic charitable organizations.
He also executive produced the highly successful Michael Jackson concert film ‘This Is It’. (below)
Current Endeavors: Continuing to Shape the Music Industry
Today, John Branca continues to be a major force in the entertainment law sphere. His work now involves managing the legacy of Michael Jackson, ensuring the King of Pop’s estate remains not just lucrative, but also respectful to Jackson’s artistic vision.
Under Branca’s guidance, the estate has seen significant financial growth, including successful ventures like the Cirque du Soleil’s Michael Jackson shows and posthumous album releases.
He is involved now in the sale of the Michael Jackson catalog in a deal worth around $1 billion.
Branca’s influence extends into charitable work as well. He’s known for his philanthropic efforts, contributing to various causes that align with his and his clients’ values.
According to some sources he is worth around $100 million.
John Branca’s Enduring Legacy
John Branca’s journey from a law student with a passion for music to one of the most respected names in entertainment law is a testament to his expertise, strategic insight, and unwavering dedication to his clients.
His ability to blend legal acumen with a deep understanding of the music industry has not only shaped the careers of many artists but also the landscape of entertainment law itself.
In a world where the beats of music and the gavels of law often play in harmony, John Branca has masterfully conducted some of the most significant symphonies of the entertainment industry. His story isn’t just about legal victories; it’s about a profound passion for music and a relentless pursuit of excellence in an ever-evolving industry.
As he continues to navigate the complexities of entertainment law and cement major deals, the power of this major Hollywood player continues to exert itself across the media and entertainment world.
