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Remembering John McClain: Co-Executor of the Michael Jackson Estate

Bill Wolfer

5,096 views

Following the passing of John McClain, I wanted to share my personal memories of the legendary music executive, musician, and co-executor of the Michael Jackson Estate. John McClain was far more than that—he was extraordinary. In this video, I share my personal memories of John McClain, his remarkable career in the music industry, and why Michael Jackson trusted him to help guide one of the most important entertainment estates in history.

From his early friendship with Jermaine Jackson and the Jackson family, to his work as a studio musician, executive at A&M Records, and the visionary who paired Janet Jackson with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, John McClain helped shape modern music. I also discuss his role alongside John Branca in managing the Michael Jackson Estate, the success of projects such as This Is It, MJ The Musical, Cirque du Soleil productions, and the upcoming Michael Jackson biopic.

In addition, I share personal stories from my interactions with John McClain during my years in Los Angeles, including our meetings at Guitar Center, his reputation as a tough negotiator, and the opportunity he gave me as a producer seeking a record deal.

For fans of Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, music industry history, A&M Records, or behind-the-scenes stories from the recording business, this tribute offers a unique perspective on one of the industry's most influential yet often overlooked figures.

👍 Like, Subscribe, and Share for more stories from the worlds of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Jacksons, Thriller, and the music business.

MUSIC:
GIVE IT TO ME - Notes From The Underground
Written by A. Nicholas/B. Wolfer
Produced, arranged by Bill Wolfer
©1987 Wolftoons Music, ASCAP
All rights reserved

CHAPTERS:
00:00 John McClain: A Personal Tribute
01:07 His Long Friendship with the Jacksons
03:03 The Executive Who Changed Music
04:24 Creating Janet Jackson's Breakthrough
06:10 Michael Jackson's Trusted Advisor
07:29 Managing the Michael Jackson Estate
08:38 My Stories About John McClain
10:23 The Talent Few People Ever Saw
12:11 When I Asked Him for a Record Deal
15:19 Why Michael Chose John McClain
16:10 Remembering a Remarkable Man
17:11 Final Farewell

#JohnMcClain #MichaelJackson #MichaelJacksonEstate #JanetJackson #TheJacksons #MusicIndustry #AandMRecords #JohnBranca #Thriller #MusicHistory #RecordExecutive #JimmyJamAndTerryLewis #MJBiopic #BehindTheMusic #MusicBusiness

20 Comments

@billwolfer4020 Creator 3 months ago Pinned

Well, I had a feeling this would stir up things. Please note that I will only ever post things that I have first hand knowledge of. Occasionally I offer my opinions, but I have never made statements about things that are over the pay grade of a lowly keyboard player. I would never imagine that I know better how to handle something as complicated as the MJ estate. I can show you how to play Shake Your Body, but it’s better if you use your ears to learn it. 😂

@HhH-tp1nv 3 months ago

Well, I don't know. He didn't stop John Branca. After Michael passed, Branca completely ignored Michael's wishes and sold off the catalog—the very crown jewel Michael had risked everything to protect. Selling it off was just trading a lifetime of gold for a one-time payout, I think.

@billwolfer4020 Creator 3 months ago

John McClain was an intensely private person, and I don't want to give the impression that we were buddies on a social level. He helped me out at a time when I needed it. I share opinions in this video that are mine alone, and will no doubt be controversial with some people. So it goes.

@stephen9546 2 months ago

John would always bring gifts to EVERYONE, tips at restaurants and all you can think of. I think about him everyday

@RobBenjaminMusic 3 months ago

I appreciate your honest take. I am not pro-estate, I love me some Paris, that said I never realized John came from a wealthy family which means he was probably a legit friend not looking for a handout. I love your videos Bill and the live record is still among my favorites of all time. Rock n roll brother, respect to you and your immense talent. Your stories are priceless.

@BossaQueenie 3 months ago

Thank you Sir for sharing your memories! I always remember seeing John McClain's name, but had never knew anything about nor what he looked like until he passed. Looking forward to exploring your other videos, especially sad for today for MJ fans on anniversary of his passing 😢. Again, thank you!

@SaidJ-YMusicProduction 2 months ago

The Great Bill Wolfer Thanks for this video R.I.P John Mclain 🌹🌹🌹🌹

@dbrownthegreat 3 months ago

Very nice video, Bill. I learned a lot of things I didn't know about John, most notably, that he paired Janet up with Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. That's huge!

@sandrawilliams7372 1 month ago

Thank you Bill Wolfer for this tribute to John. He was an Amazing, Awesom, Intelligent person and Musician. Metaphorically he was a Maestro in the music industry! Known him since high school.

@TheOfficialMr_Dier 3 months ago

I remember seeing his name in the Executive Producer credits and came to know him as head of A&M’s BMD. Janet Jackson, Jesse Johnson’s Revue/Jesse Johnson, Herb Alpert, Shanice Wilson, Vesta, just to name a few

@jackson-ch 2 months ago

Thank you - always great to learn more about pioneering individuals behind the scenes.

@billwolfer4020 Creator 3 months ago

Egg, meet face. No sooner than I mention Clive Davis in a video, now he has passed away! I don't want my channel to be the music business obituary column, but Clive Davis was an amazing Record Man.

@robertlelis3410 3 months ago

Thanks Bill

@funkyflyy 2 months ago

I really enjoyed your memories of John McClain, Bill. I knew nothing about him, other than that I saw his name on many records in the 80's and when I did - I bought it. His name was a sign a record would be good.
Also, I bought Notes From The Underground when it came out!

@billwolfer4020 Creator 3 months ago

As always, please share your comments, but be respectful. Don't post anything you wouldn't say to my face, ok? Ta! 😎

@ameenara8076 2 months ago

R.I.P. John McClain. While I truly enjoyed the movie 'Michael' thanks to Jaafar Jackson, it was deeply disappointing to see how the film completely omitted individuals who meant so much more to Michael and the Jackson family—Diana Ross, John McClain —while heavily glorifying just a single co-executor/producer. For the sequel, I sincerely hope we get a truthful story that includes these vital figures, completely free from any dictatorship or distortion of facts.