John McClain, the veteran music executive who helped transform Michael Jackson’s estate into one of the most profitable celebrity enterprises in entertainment history while shaping the careers of some of the biggest names in music, has died at 71.
McClain died Tuesday in Los Angeles from complications following a fall, according to an obituary released by representatives close to the family. He was surrounded by friends and his nephew Warner Wright.
“I am profoundly grieved at the loss of my partner and brother John McClain,” said entertainment attorney John Branca, who serves as co-executor of Michael Jackson’s estate with 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.”
McClain and Branca were named by Jackson as co-executors of his will in 2002, and since the King of Pop’s death in 2009, the estate has generated billions through music publishing, licensing agreements, films, merchandise, Broadway productions, recordings, and global entertainment ventures.
“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,” Branca stated.
McClain’s death comes as Jackson’s global popularity has surged again through the success of the biopic “Michael,” starring Jaafar Jackson, and continuing interest in projects tied to the entertainer’s catalog and stage productions. With “Michael” soaring toward $1 billion at the box office and set to become the highest-grossing biopic ever, the film has reconnected audiences with Jackson’s artistry and stage brilliance.
In addition, “Michael Jackson ONE” by Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas continues drawing international audiences.
“He brought a passion and sense of conviction to all that he did and was the most generous of friends,” Branca continued. “It is difficult to imagine a world without him.”
From Musician to Music Mogul
Born in Los Angeles and raised by his aunt Helen, McClain began piano lessons at age 3 and studied classical composers including Bach and Rachmaninoff before gravitating toward the music of Jimi Hendrix. He later became close friends with Michael Jackson and the Jackson family.
Before becoming one of the most powerful executives in entertainment, McClain worked as a musician and session guitarist with artists including Gladys Knight, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie and Shalamar.
His influence expanded dramatically in 1984 when he joined A&M Records as director of Black music and connected Janet Jackson with producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Their collaboration resulted in Jackson’s blockbuster albums “Control” and “Rhythm Nation.” McClain also helped guide projects involving Herb Alpert, Atlantic Starr, Human League, and Jesse Johnson.
In 1989, McClain joined Interscope Records, where he played a major role in financing and distributing Death Row Records after hearing Dr. Dre working on “The Chronic.” He later helped expand Interscope’s gospel and R&B footprint through deals involving Kirk Franklin and Teddy Riley.
Jimmy Iovine once told the Los Angeles Times that McClain “was vital to the inspiration, direction and spirit of Interscope.”
McClain later returned to A&M Records as president of Black music, where he worked with artists including Barry White and Ice Cube. At DreamWorks Records, he signed Ronald Isley, leading to the chart-topping “The Isley Brothers Featuring Ronald Isley aka Mr. Biggs.” He also helped create the acclaimed Burt Bacharach and Ronald Isley collaboration “Here I Am.”
At the 2002 American Music Awards, Michael Jackson publicly thanked McClain during his acceptance speech.
“I like to thank people that are very important in my life, my mother and father, John McClain,” Jackson said.
Under the leadership of McClain and Branca, Jackson’s estate released the posthumous albums “Michael” and “Xscape,” launched “MJ The Musical,” produced documentaries directed by Spike Lee, and oversaw projects including “Michael Jackson’s This Is It” and the record-breaking film “Michael.”
During his years at A&M, McClain once described his vision for Black music in language that many in the industry continued to associate with him throughout his career.
“You know, African Americans have always led the art form in terms of musicianship and playing in this country,” McClain said. “From blues to jazz to rock to pop – it all comes out of Black music.”
