John McClain, a veteran music executive and co-executor of Michael Jackson's estate, passed away on May 26 at the age of 71 in Malibu, California. His representative confirmed that McClain had been unwell in recent years, though the cause of death remains undisclosed. He was appointed alongside John Branca to manage Jackson's estate after the pop star's death in 2009. Together, they successfully navigated the estate out of significant debt and oversaw numerous projects that expanded Jackson's influence posthumously, including the Cirque du Soleil show and the biopic 'Michael'. McClain had a long and respected career in the music industry, having worked as a producer and A&R executive with notable artists such as Janet Jackson and Lionel Richie. His musical journey began early, influenced by his parents, and he had performed as a guitarist for several famous artists before transitioning to an executive role. McClain's contributions to the industry earned him recognition as one of the most respected figures in Black music.