Music Executive Kenny MacPherson Dies at 71
The veteran publisher and co-founder of Big Deal Music passed away in Los Angeles.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Music — General
Kenny MacPherson, a prominent music industry figure who served as CEO of Hipgnosis Songs Group, has died at the age of 71. MacPherson was best known for co-founding the successful independent publishing company Big Deal Music in 2012.
Why it matters
MacPherson was a highly influential leader in the music publishing sector, having built Big Deal Music into an award-winning independent powerhouse. His strategic leadership and career spanned several decades, shaping the careers of numerous artists and songwriters.
MacPherson co-founded Big Deal Music in 2012, which was later recognized as the indie publisher of the year by the Association of Independent Music Publishers in 2017. Hipgnosis Songs Fund subsequently acquired the firm in September 2020.
The players
Kenny MacPherson
He was a veteran music industry executive who served as CEO of Hipgnosis Songs Group and co-founded Big Deal Music.
Big Deal Music
This was an independent music publishing company founded in 2012 that earned the publisher of the year award in 2017.
Hipgnosis Songs Fund
This is a music intellectual property investment company that acquired Big Deal Music in 2020.
Association of Independent Music Publishers
This trade organization represents the interests of independent music publishers and presented MacPherson's firm with a top industry award.
The details
Beginning his career managing concerts at the Apollo Theatre in Glasgow, MacPherson relocated to the United States in the late 1970s and early 1980s. He became a fixture in the publishing world, eventually overseeing operations at Hipgnosis Songs Group after his company was acquired.
Timeline
MacPherson moved to the United States in the late 1970s and early 1980s.
MacPherson joined Warner/Chappell in 1989.
BMG acquired Chrysalis Music in 2010.
MacPherson co-founded Big Deal Music in 2012.
Kenny MacPherson died on October 23, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
MacPherson's career trajectory reflects the broader consolidation within the music publishing industry, marked by the 2020 acquisition of Big Deal Music by Hipgnosis Songs Fund. This move highlights the shift toward large-scale investment funds dominating the control of music catalogs.
The transition of major publishing catalogs into investment funds like Hipgnosis changes how music rights are managed and accessed by streaming services. Listeners may notice changes in how and where catalog music is licensed for commercial use and public consumption.
The takeaway
MacPherson's legacy is defined by his ability to elevate independent songwriters within a rapidly evolving global music market. His career serves as a roadmap for how independent publishers can build significant value before integrating into larger corporate structures.
Further reading
For more on industry developments, visit the Music — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Billboard.
