Kenny MacPherson, Music Publisher and Co-Founder, Dies at 71
The music publishing world lost a true visionary on October 23 when Kenny MacPherson, a titan of the industry, passed away in Los Angeles at the age of 71. Though the exact cause of death remains undisclosed, his legacy is etched into the careers of countless artists and the organizations he helped build.
For nearly four decades, MacPherson was more than just an executive; he was a shrewd tastemaker with an unparalleled ear for talent. He cultivated a deep loyalty to songwriters, often championing those on the left of the musical spectrum, making him a beloved figure among the creators he signed and nurtured.
His journey into the music business began far from the West Coast. Born in Largs, Scotland, MacPherson started his career immersed in live music in Glasgow, managing concerts at the Apollo Theatre. It was during this time he encountered figures who would shape his path, including comedian Billy Connolly, whom he managed on tour. It was through these early experiences and advice that he was steered toward the lucrative, yet deeply personal, world of publishing.
One of the earliest career shifts came when he moved to the United States in the late 1970s and early 1980s, diving into the Manhattan Transfer and the management of Supertramp. It was here that he began laying the groundwork for his empire, establishing a publishing arm within the management companies.
MacPherson’s influence expanded significantly when he joined Warner/Chappell in 1989, where he spent thirteen years shaping the New York office. During this tenure, he championed and developed a stellar roster, including major acts like Radiohead, Underworld, Paul Westerberg, and The Afghan Whigs.
Later, he took the reins of Chrysalis Music’s North American division, where he continued to foster artistic growth. Under his leadership, the division signed and developed a diverse group of artists, including OutKast, My Morning Jacket, St. Vincent, Thom Yorke, and Beach House, alongside producers like Ethan Johns and Dave Sitek.
In 2012, MacPherson co-founded Big Deal Music with longtime colleagues Dave Ayers and Jamie Cerreta. This venture was founded on a core philosophy: to create a publishing house defined by high touch, courtesy, and cultural significance. With offices spanning Los Angeles, New York, and Nashville, Big Deal Music became a powerful hub, successfully reuniting him with past signings while adding groundbreaking artists like Sharon Van Etten, Sleater-Kinney, and Kamasi Washington.
The impact of Big Deal Music was undeniable. It regularly ranked among the top ten U.S. publishers by market share, and in 2017, the Association of Independent Music Publishers recognized the company as the indie publisher of the year.
MacPherson was not just a successful business operator; he was an outspoken advocate for the songwriters themselves. He passionately argued that writers deserved a seat at the table, pushing for industry boards and advocating for a publisher-funded healthcare system for creators, famously asserting that a world without songs would be a very dull place.
His commitment to the craft extended through the 2020 acquisition of Big Deal by Hipgnosis Songs Fund, transforming it into the Hipgnosis Songs Group, where MacPherson served as CEO. Kenny MacPherson leaves behind a legacy defined by exceptional taste, unwavering loyalty, and a powerful belief that music deserves a seat at the center of the industry.
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