John McClain, the veteran music executive who was co-executor of the Michael Jackson estate and helped engineer the financial recovery of the singer’s legacy and properties, died Monday due to complications from a fall, a rep for the estate confirms. He was 71.
Estate co-executor John Branca said in a statement: “I am profoundly grieved at the loss of my partner and brother John McClain. 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 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.”
McClain rose to prominence as a key engineer behind the rise and superstardom of Michael’s sister Janet, beginning with the release of her breakthrough 1986 album “Control,” and over the years also worked closely with Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and many others. However, his biggest impact in a long and resonant career in music came through his work with the Michael Jackson estate following the singer’s sudden death in 2009.
