Known by some as “Alexander the Great,” Gary Jenkins was involved in the music and entertainment industry since 1989. Focused and committed, he had more than 30 years of corporate legal experience spanning the film, music, and television industries under his belt.
His skills were honed as General Manager Emeritus of Uptown/MCA, which brought to market platinum-selling music icons such as Guy, Mary J. Blige, and Jodeci. Jenkins represented and served as counsel for successful artists, producers, songwriters, and record labels such as French Montana, The Wu-Tang Clan, Mobb Deep, Doug E. Fresh, Kool G Rap, the late Jam Master Jay, The Russell Simmons Music Group, DMX, and Ralph Tresvant. He also represented the team behind the acclaimed independent film, “The Reunion” and served as music supervisor on the film “Strictly Business.”
Gary’s last position was of counsel to Pappalardo & Pappalardo, LLP. In addition to entertainment, he represented many restaurants and bars in contract negotiations and licensing applications and was well versed in general civil practice, including landlord & tenant law and family law.
Prior to P&P in 2018, he was appointed General Counsel at Silicon Harlem, a technology company bringing digital access and opportunities to Upper Manhattan and other global communities. His primary responsibility was handling the company’s global legal affairs, public policy interests and compliance operations.
Earlier in his career, Gary clerked for the late Bernard Fuchs, Supreme Court Judge of Brooklyn in Kings County. An Ivy-League graduate, he earned a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law, a B.A. in Psychology from Princeton University and was a member of the State Bar of New York.
He was a longtime member of the Oak Bluffs summer community in Martha’s Vineyard. Gary died on March 29, 2020 of complications resulting from COVID-19. He was 58. Legends are defined by their work and how it impacts the culture. We remember Gary Jenkins so others don’t forget. #livinglegendsfoundation30 #blackmusicmonth #culturecreator #rootedinblackmusic