John McClain, Michael Jackson estate co-executor, dies at 71
The longtime music executive died at 71 following complications from a fall
Music industry executive and longtime estate manager for Michael Jackson, John McClain, has died at the age of 71 following complications from a fall.
McClain passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, his spokesperson confirmed. He was most recently serving as an executive producer on the upcoming biopic Michael.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and estate representatives, including co-executor John Branca, who described McClain as “one of the great innovators in the world of music and music marketing.”
In a statement, Branca said McClain was a “visionary” whose insight helped guide major posthumous projects tied to Jackson’s legacy.
“When we were named in Michael’s will, I knew that he would bring great insight into Michael’s music,” Branca said, adding that McClain’s dedication and friendship were central to the estate’s success.
McClain and Branca were appointed co-executors of Jackson’s estate following the singer’s death in 2009. At the time, Jackson was reportedly facing more than $500 million in debt, along with damage to his public reputation stemming from allegations that were never proven.
Since then, the estate has overseen a major commercial and cultural revival of Jackson’s legacy, including the sale of his music catalogue to Sony, the This Is It documentary, the stage production MJ: The Musical, and the forthcoming biopic Michael. The estate is estimated to have generated billions in revenue in the years since his death.
An official statement shared on Jackson’s social media channels also honored McClain’s contributions, describing him as a musician, songwriter, and industry executive whose relationship with Jackson dated back to their teenage years.
It added that McClain played a key role not only in managing the singer’s estate but also in supporting the careers of other members of the Jackson family, including Janet Jackson and Jermaine Jackson.
The tribute concluded by noting that McClain’s influence extended beyond business, emphasizing his personal relationships and lasting impact on those who worked with him.
In recent months, Jackson’s estate has also faced legal scrutiny from his daughter, Paris Jackson, who has raised concerns about financial management—adding further attention to the executors’ role in overseeing the late star’s legacy.