John McClain, who served as a co-executor of Michael Jackson’s $2.5 billion estate, passed away at 71 in Malibu, California, on Tuesday.
McClain, who had been battling health issues over recent years, died in Malibu, California. While the exact cause of his death remains undisclosed, a representative confirmed his recent health struggles, according to TMZ.
Throughout his illustrious career, McClain held prominent roles in the music industry, including as a producer and an A&R executive. His influence and collaborations extended to iconic artists such as Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre.
During his tenure at A&M Records, McClain played a pivotal role in the success of Janet Jackson’s groundbreaking 1986 album, “Control.” He also helped the label sign Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch, fronted by Mark Wahlberg.
Efforts to reach representatives for further comments on his passing have been made by the Daily Mail.
The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for the estate for further comment.
John McClain, a co-executor of Michael Jackson’s $2.5 billion estate, died on Tuesday at the age of 71 in Malibu, California. Pictured in 1984 in LA with the late King of Pop
He collaborated with artists including Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Ice Cube and Dr. Dre. Pictured 1986 with Janet Jackson in LA
He was appointed with co-executor John Branca to commandeer the estate of the late Michael Jackson after the Thriller artist died at the age of 50 on June 25, 2009.
McClain and co-executor John Branca have made headlines as of late amid their court battles with the late King of Pop’s daughter Paris.
Attorneys for the estate executors told the Daily Mail in a statement earlier this month that they felt vindicated to an extent after the judge in the case praised their work over the past 17 years.
The judge said McClain and co-executor John Branca had ‘created real and substantial generational wealth for the estate’s beneficiaries.’
The executors’ legal team said that ‘the court has previously approved several other bonuses to outside counsel over the years for their extraordinary services, and this was the first time they were the subject of objections.’
Among the high-profile projects the executors oversaw, in turning the estate’s finances around, included a Cirque du Soleil show themed after the late vocalist; the 2009 concert film This Is It; and this year’s hit biopic Michael.
Michael Jackson died after suffering a cardiac arrest in the Los Angeles mansion he was living in at the time.
Authorities in February 2010 deemed his death as the result of acute propofol intoxication.
Jackson arrived at Santa Maria Superior Court before testimony in his child molestation trial March 16, 2005 in Santa Maria, California
The late Michael Jackson seen in London in November of 2006
The late Michael Jackson seen performing in Brunei on July 16, 1996
The Thriller artist had been administered the powerful drug by his personal doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, who told investigators that the singer called the substance (which he took via an IV drip) ‘milk’ and said he needed it to sleep.
Eventually, Murray’s care of Jackson fell under scrutiny after the singer’s death, amid questions about his judgment in giving Jackson the substance in certain doses, and not meeting safety precautions in administering the drug.
Jackson’s death was ultimately deemed a homicide by investigators and in November of 2011 – more than two years after his death – Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to four years in prison.
Jackson had an unprecedented career in music, as one of the best-selling artists of all-time, who won 13 Grammys over 38 nominations.
Honors included Best Male R&B Vocal Performance on Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough in 1980, Album of the Year for Thriller in 1984 and Record of the Year for Beat It the same year.
He was also given the Grammy Legend Award in 1993, and posthumously, The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. He had been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
