Industry

Michael Jackson Estate Co-Executor John McClain Dead at 71

John McClain, the music executive and co-executor of Michael Jackson's estate, has passed away at 71. He was instrumental in the financial recovery of Jackson's legacy and properties.

Variety Music·May 27, 2026·via Variety Music

Michael Jackson Estate Co-Executor John McClain Dead at 71

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May 27, 2026 7:54am PT

John McClain, Co-Executor of Michael Jackson Estate and Longtime Music Executive, Dies at 71

By Jem Aswad

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Jem Aswad

Executive Editor, Music

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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, has died, a rep for the estate confirms. He was 71.

No cause of death was cited although sources say McClain, who managed Michael’s sister Janet’s career during its peak after working as a top record executive, had been ill for several years.