The music industry is mourning the loss of John McClain, the longtime music executive, producer, and co-executor of the estate of Michael Jackson, who has died at the age of 71.
According to reports, McClain passed away Tuesday in Malibu after battling health issues for several years. While the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed, his passing marks the end of a remarkable career that helped shape modern pop and R&B music.
Best known to Michael Jackson fans as one of the co-executors of the Michael Jackson Estate alongside John Branca, McClain played a major role in rebuilding and expanding Michael’s legacy following the singer’s death in 2009. Under their leadership, the estate transformed from significant debt into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.
Together, McClain and Branca oversaw major projects including the upcoming Michael biopic, the hit Broadway musical MJ The Musical, Cirque du Soleil productions, and the release of This Is It, the documentary film chronicling Michael Jackson’s rehearsals for his final concerts.
McClain also contributed directly to Michael’s posthumous music releases, helping produce songs such as Love Never Felt So Good and Much Too Soon.
“I am profoundly grieved at the loss of my partner and brother John McClain,” Branca said in a statement. “One of the great innovators in the world of music and music marketing, John was a visionary, seeing past the mundane and into the future.
“When we were named in Michael’s will, I knew that he would bring great insight into Michael’s music and that his friendship and dedication to Michael would underscore all the great projects that we could bring to the world,” he continued. “He brought a passion and sense of conviction to all that he did and was the most generous of friends. It is difficult to imagine a world without him.”
Beyond his work with the Jackson estate, McClain was a legendary figure in the music business. As an A&R executive at A&M Records, he helped guide the career of Janet Jackson during her breakthrough Control era and worked with artists including Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. He also famously encouraged the signing of Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch during his time at the label.
Despite his enormous influence behind the scenes, McClain largely stayed away from the public eye and had not been regularly seen by fans for decades, preferring to work quietly behind the scenes while helping shape and preserve Michael Jackson’s legacy.
John McClain’s influence extended far beyond the boardroom. Through decades of work in music production, artist development, and stewardship of Michael Jackson’s legacy, he helped shape some of the most important moments in modern entertainment.
Fans around the world are now paying tribute to a man whose work behind the scenes ensured that Michael Jackson’s music and legacy continued to thrive for future generations.
Here the public statement from the Estate:
Michael Jackson’s relationship with John McClain started in their teens and continued throughout Michael’s life. When Michael passed away John McClain, along with John Branca, became the co-executors of Michael’s estate. It is now with profound sadness that the Estate team shares the news of John McClain’s passing. In addition to his role as the co-executor, John was many things throughout his life – a musician, a songwriter, a music industry executive but first and foremost, he was an amazing human being and a great friend to all who were lucky enough to have him in their lives. His legacy will live on through the many people he touched and the music he helped bring to the world. He will be missed here on earth but we hope he has been reunited with Michael and they are making music together again
