Legally Speaking with Kamel King

image courtesy of Frascogna Courtney, LLC

I had the awesome opportunity to speak with entertainment attorney Kamel King of Frascogna Courtney, PLLC located in Jackson, MS.  I have several connections to Kamel, although I don’t know him personally.  I actually grew up with the show his father created,  “Black Gold,” a local weekly musical entertainment show that featured the latest music and local dancers.  It was my first encounter of the entertainment world.  I actually had a neighbor whose twin nephews were on the show and when they would come to visit, I thought they were celebrities.  This was Jackson’s version of “Soul Train.”  His firm also represents legendary gospel trio “The Williams Brothers,” which employs my husband for their studio recordings.  Lastly, we both attended the most prestigious Tougaloo College, that prepared the both of us with a solid foundation to pursue our dreams.

He shared that his father also had a record label at one time and did concert promotions.  So obviously he was influenced by his father’s endeavors in the industry.  I’m sure his father had enough influence for Kamel to be successful in the business, but Kamel wanted to pave his own way.  He attended Mississippi College School of Law, successfully passed the Mississippi Bar.  His pursuit of excellence has definitely paid off.  He is currently the attorney on the road for The Williams Brothers, the Director of Operations of Blackberry Records, which is owned by the Williams Brothers.  He is also the Sales Manager of Terminal Recording Studios, which is where my husband records with the Williams Brothers.

Yolanda: What are some common mistakes made by artists, as well as, managers? 

Kamel:  Not getting an entertainment attorney (we both chuckle).  This is not for my own gratification or to seek financial gain, but you need a competent person who knows the “lay of the land” early.  The internet can teach you anything you want to know, but it can also give you a false sense of security.  It’s the same as any other professional business.  You may be able to brush your teeth and floss, but you can’t do what a dentist does.

Yolanda: For those who know they need an entertainment attorney but have a fear factor of what it may cost, is there such a thing as a fair cost?

Kamel: Most definitely! In my career the artist is the biggest obstacle.  I’ve had to educate them that they don’t have to be independently wealthy to secure competent counsel.  I tell them an old adage I learned from my boss.  “You can’t eat the elephant all in one bite, you have to eat it in pieces.  I identify their immediate needs and address them first.  It is better to go to an attorney with $300 and say this is what I have now, then to have the fear factor and never seek counsel.

Yolanda:  Do you have any tips for a new artist?

Kamel:  Yes, educate yourself, surround yourself with a good team, a good accountant, booking agent, manager and yes an entertainment attorney!