Bernie McLean, veteran music executive, passes at 80

Bernie McLean, a retired music executive who was pivotal in the careers of numerous gospel and urban artists, has died at 80. Known for his work with Queen Latifah, Big Daddy Kane, and the platinum-selling Shekinah Glory Ministry, McLean made significant contributions to the music industry. His promotional efforts helped Shekinah Glory Ministry achieve hits like “Praise Is What I Do,” “Yes,” and “Jesus.”

A Celebration of Life service takes place June 14, 2024, at 11 AM at Valley Kingdom Ministries, Oak Forest, IL.

Born June 6, 1943, in New York City, McLean excelled in basketball at Aviation High School and the New York Institute of Technology. He obtained an engineering degree from the latter and a second one from Adelphi University before beginning a 30-year tenure at General Electric.

McLean transitioned into music promotions and artist management in the 1990s and worked with a number of urban artists such as Yvonne Gage, Too $hort, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, and RUSSOUL. In 2001, he became the first promotions manager at Kingdom Records, founded by his friend Apostle H. Daniel Wilson, who had formed an aggregation of singers that became Shekinah Glory Ministry worship ensemble. McLean helped Shekinah Glory Ministry achieve gold status for “Praise Is What I Do” as well as four gold and platinum certifications for other projects. In 2003, he was promoted to Vice President and A&R Director, working with The Whispers, Phil Tarver, and The Brown Sisters of Chicago, among others. McLean retired in 2016.

He is survived by his wife Linda, his daughter Tiffany, sons Phil and Ashaunte, grandchildren, and extended family.