John McClain, the veteran music executive who co-executed the Michael Jackson estate and helped revive the singer's finances, died Monday due to complications from a fall, a representative for the estate confirmed. He was 71.
McClain, alongside co-executor John Branca, transformed Jackson's debt-ridden legacy into a multi-billion-dollar business after the singer's death in 2009. Projects included the 'This Is It' documentary, the 'MJ' musical, Cirque du Soleil shows, and the sale of music catalogues totalling $1.35 billion.
Branca paid tribute, saying: '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... It is difficult to imagine a world without him.'
McClain's earlier career included shaping Janet Jackson's breakthrough album 'Control' in 1986, working with Dr. Dre at Interscope Records, and signing acts like the Human League. He shunned the spotlight, leaving Branca as the public face of the estate.
Born in Los Angeles into a musical family, McClain began piano at age three and later befriended Michael Jackson. He died at 71, leaving a lasting impact on the music industry.
