Feb. 4, 2016

Joel A. Katz Music is Medicine Collection debuts at Winship

Platinum records, autographed guitars, and hand-written lyrics from some of the biggest names in the music industry are part of a priceless collection of memorabilia donated to Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University by Joel Katz, a global entertainment and media attorney of Greenberg Traurig, LLP in Atlanta. The Joel A. Katz Music is Medicine Collection, now on display at Winship and open to the public, is considered one of the most musically diverse collections ever assembled in any hospital. The gift coincides with the T.J. Martell Foundation's establishment of The Joel A. Katz Music is Medicine Fund, which provides support for innovative cancer research at Winship.

Patients, caregivers, and visitors have the rare opportunity to view the three dozen items on display including multi-platinum commemorations of worldwide record sales for Michael Jackson and Julio Iglesias, guitars signed by Paul McCartney, Willie Nelson and George Strait, a 2012 Grammy nominees award plaque, and hand-written lyrics from country star Alan Jackson. The comprehensive collection of music history spans decades and genres including rock, pop, hip-hop, and country.

"We are grateful to Joel for this wonderful, one of a kind gift," says Walter J. Curran, Jr. MD, executive director of Winship. "Music is an important part of the healing process for many cancer patients, and this collection will be enjoyed by thousands of visitors to Winship for years to come."

The memorabilia comes from Katz's personal collection. He is the number one-ranked entertainment lawyer in Billboard magazine's Power issue over the past five years.

"We believe there is a real connectivity in terms of music and medicine. We believe that music can help people's disposition and aid them through certain protocols and treatments they may receive at Emory's Winship Cancer Institute in reaching a solution for their cancer. Our 'wall' is all about life and bringing memories to patients from their past and giving them an emotional uplift as they experience their treatment," says Katz.

The T.J. Martell Foundation began supporting research at Winship in 2009. By the creation of The Joel A. Katz Music is Medicine Fund, the Foundation is continuing its support of cancer research at Winship.

"Joel Katz has been a wonderful part of the T.J. Martell Foundation for many years aiding in our mission of funding cutting-edge cancer research," said Laura Heatherly, CEO of the Foundation. "We are proud of the research being done at Winship and look forward to many life-saving discoveries."

The Joel A. Katz Music is Medicine Collection is located in the Tunnel Level of the Winship Cancer Institute building on Emory's Clifton Road campus. The exhibit is free and open to the public weekdays, 9:00 am until 5:00 pm.

 

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