Liz Garner: A Trailblazer in Music Publishing and Copyright Law
Recommendations
Dallas Austin
Isaac Hayes III
Dallas Austin
"Liz Garner is an unstoppable force in music publishing. Her deep expertise in copyright law, catalogue valuations, deal negotiations, and the intricacies of acquisitions is unmatched. There’s simply no one better in the business."
KP The Great
Isaac Hayes III
Dallas Austin
"Liz is and has been connected to creatives in Atlanta as a friend, advisor and executor in a way that not a lot of humans can be. She's an all around resource."
Isaac Hayes III
Isaac Hayes III
Isaac Hayes III
"Liz has been a part of Isaac Hayes Enterprises catalogue management team since 2012. Her knowledge of copyright law, specifically terminations and reversions, have helped us reclaim copyrights that grant our family control of my father's legacy of songs. She is a valuable part of our legal team that guided our family to an injunction victory in our copyright infringement case against Donald J. Trump in August of 2024."
Biography
Liz Garner: A Trailblazer in Music Publishing, Copyright Law, and Catalogue Acquisitions
Liz Garner's storied career in the music industry began in 1995 in Atlanta, GA, when her twin sister, Elise, introduced her to legendary producer and songwriter Dallas Austin at DARP Studios. The professional chemistry between Garner and Austin was immediate, marking the start of a dynamic partnership that has spanned nearly three decades in the ever-evolving music business.
Working alongside Austin at Dallas Austin Recording Projects (DARP) and Rowdy Records, Garner contributed to projects with an impressive roster of artists, including TLC, Lenny Kravitz, Monica, and others. One of the most influential relationships Garner gained through Austin was with his mentor, Jheryl Busby, who became a pivotal teacher and guide in her career.
In 1999, Austin enlisted Garner to help launch JT Money’s hit record "Who Dat." Garner supported the project through marketing and promotions, working with JT Money and G Boy Management on several subsequent projects. That same year, Garner began collaborating with producer C. "Tricky" Stewart of RedZone Entertainment. From 1999 to 2005, she established herself as a sought-after A&R coordinator, facilitating projects for major labels and producers nationwide. Her credits include work with TLC, Usher, Beyoncé, Destiny's Child, Akon, Outkast, Pink, Blu Cantrell, Mýa, Tyrese, B2K, Charlie Wilson, Tamar Braxton, and Jagged Edge, among many others.
With over 45 albums and 200+ projects to her name, one of Garner's career highlights was coordinating a project for the iconic Michael Jackson—a lifelong dream realized.
In 2005, Garner transitioned her focus to publishing and copyright law. She found a new mentor in Jeanie Mason, one of the authors of The Copyright Act of 1976 and Quincy Jones’ personal publishing advisor for over 35 years. Under Mason’s guidance, Garner honed her expertise in copyright terminations and reversions. Together, they spearheaded landmark projects, including the termination of copyrights for the legendary Isaac Hayes. After years of meticulous effort, Garner helped the Hayes estate file its first termination in December 2014, ensuring the rights reverted to Isaac Hayes’ heirs.
In 2019, Garner expanded her focus to catalogue valuation and acquisitions. Her team has become a powerhouse in publishing acquisitions, new publishing deals, and name, image, and likeness (NIL) agreements for legacy catalogues. To date, they have closed deals worth over $190 million.
Garner remains deeply involved with the music catalogues of Dallas Austin and Isaac Hayes. She was instrumental in brokering a major deal between Dallas Austin and Reservoir Media and now serves as Vice President of Publishing for Dallas Austin Music and DAD Global Music Publishing, overseeing Austin’s extensive catalogue. In addition, Garner continues to manage the Isaac Hayes Enterprises catalogue alongside Isaac Hayes III and collaborates with Primary Wave on NIL initiatives.
Through her unparalleled expertise, visionary leadership, and commitment to nurturing relationships, Liz Garner continues to shape the music industry, leaving an indelible mark on music publishing, copyright law, and catalogue acquisitions.
Publishing and Consulting Projects
Isaac Hayes Enterprises
Isaac Hayes Enterprises
Isaac Hayes Enterprises
Being a part of the Isaac Hayes and Primary Wave NIL deal was a honor. Hayes' catalogue is vast, spanning more than 40 years. I look forward to continuing to assist the heirs and be of part of the incredible legacy that he has left.
Dallas Austin
Isaac Hayes Enterprises
Isaac Hayes Enterprises
Dallas and I have worked together for 30 years, so to be able to work his catalogue in a way that will live on for ages, is remarkable. To continue to bring his work to the world, is exciting. Dallas is a legend and I am honored to work with him.
David Banner
Isaac Hayes Enterprises
David Banner
David Banner and I have collaborated since 2005 on a variety of projects. We both hail from the great state of Mississippi and we understand each other in a way most wouldn't. Great things always come from working together.
Anthony Bell
Tionne "TBoz" Watkins
David Banner
Anthony came to me from a friend. He knew he wanted to position his catalogue with a team that would be able to continue what he started. He trusted us and we delivered.
"Courtney and Liz are THE best at what they do. Their relationships with their buyer's and publisher's, ensures the best deal for their clients."
Tony Mercedes
Tionne "TBoz" Watkins
Tionne "TBoz" Watkins
Tony and I have worked together for many years. He was not in the market to sell, however, he said, "let me see what you can do", and we got him a deal that worked. "It is such a pleasure to be able to work with those in the industry that really love what they do and do it well."
Tionne "TBoz" Watkins
Tionne "TBoz" Watkins
Tionne "TBoz" Watkins
Not only is TBoz one of my best friends, I also consult with her on a variety of projects, from production to events. Having earned her trust more than 25 years ago, it is nice to be able to guide her in her career.
Board of Directors Advisory Counsel
GA Tech College of Design and School of Music
In 2022, I began serving on the Board of Directors Advisory Counsel for the GA Tech College of Design and School of Music. It is such an honor to have been selected for this prestigious role. I take pride in helping to guide and direct, where I can, the students of the School of Music. I am currently looking for interns, so if you are a student and are interested, please reach out.
Instrumental Conversations at GA Tech
Inaugural Instrumental Conversation
Inaugural Instrumental Conversation
Inaugural Instrumental Conversation
September 12, 2023 was the first Instrumental Conversation at GA Tech. Joined by Dallas Austin, Isaac Hayes, III, Kawan Prather, DL Warfield and Octavius Crouch, Garner led this incredible group in a panel conversation ranging from tech, music production, where the industry is going to the ins and outs of music distribution.
The Powerhouse Women
Inaugural Instrumental Conversation
Inaugural Instrumental Conversation
Women's roles in the music business have often taken a backseat to the gentlemen in the business...but not with this group! Wendy Day, Dina Marto and Nikki Marshall joined Garner in the second installation of Instrumental Conversations. The ladies rocked.