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SpeakBase Times·Entertainment·
John McClain, Co-Executor of Michael Jackson's Billion-Dollar Estate, Dies at 71
John McClain, the veteran music executive who helped transform the debt-laden Michael Jackson estate into a multi-billion-dollar empire, died on May 26, 2026, in Malibu at the age of 71. Appointed co-executor alongside attorney John Branca after Jackson's death in 2009, McClain oversaw the repayment of more than 400 million dollars in estate debts, produced posthumous albums, launched the Broadway hit MJ the Musical, and co-produced the 2024 biopic starring Jaafar Jackson. He was also a celebrated record producer for Janet Jackson, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre.
By SpeakBase Times Editorial Team
Beginner
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Reading PassageTap highlighted words for definitions
A man named John McClain has died. He was 71 years old. He worked in the music business for many years.
John McClain helped take care of Michael Jackson's money and music. Michael Jackson was a very famous singer. He died in 2009. After that, John McClain helped protect his music and his name.
John McClain also made music for other famous artists. He helped make songs for Janet Jackson, Ice Cube, and Dr. Dre. All of these artists are very famous.
Many people in the music world are sad. John McClain worked very hard for the music he loved. People will remember him for a long time.
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Key Vocabularyestate —all the money, property, and rights that a person owns when they die
producer —a person who helps make songs or films
executive —an important person who makes decisions in a company
posthumous —happening after a person has died
legacy —something left behind after a person dies, such as their work or ideas
artist —a singer, musician, or performer
tribute —words or actions that show respect for someone who has died
billion —the number one thousand million - written as 1,000,000,000
Exercises
Multiple Choice
1How old was John McClain when he died?
2When did Michael Jackson die?
3What was John McClain's job in music?
4Which famous singer did John McClain help as a music producer?
5Where did John McClain die?
True or False
6John McClain was 71 years old when he died.
7John McClain helped manage Michael Jackson's estate after Jackson died.
8Michael Jackson died in 2015.
9John McClain worked as a music producer for Janet Jackson.
10John McClain died in New York.
Fill in the Blank
11John McClain helped take care of Michael Jackson's _____ after Jackson died.
12John McClain worked as a music _____ for famous artists like Janet Jackson and Ice Cube.
13John McClain died in _____ at the age of 71.