Barry McKee, Warner Chappell Music‘s popular Head of UK Administration, has passed away aged 59.
McKee had worked at WCM for more than 30 years.
He first joined the company in 1988, and took up his role as Head of UK Administration in 2008.
According to WCM, McKee was a “keen golfer, who had played every course in Essex and many more,” and was also “a passionate football fan and a lifelong supporter of Tottenham Hotspur”.
Adds WCM: “An enthusiastic tennis player, he could often be seen on the courts at Brook Green when WCM had an office nearby.”
McKee was “always happy to share his encyclopaedic knowledge and was particularly keen to nurture younger colleagues starting out in music publishing,” adds WCM.
“A well-known character, he was as happy chatting to the security team on the front desk as he was with the publisher’s superstar writers.”
WCM says that he was a “huge fan of punk music, bonding with his wife Margaret, who he met while they both worked at Warner Chappell, over a shared love of The Jam and Paul Weller’s solo work”.
The couple were together for more than three decades, formally tying the knot and getting married last year.
“We’ll miss his wry humour, energetic enthusiasm and his unbridled kindness. Our thoughts are with his wife Margaret and his family at this difficult time.”
Claire McAuley, Warner Chappell Music
Claire McAuley, SVP, Global Administration, Warner Chappell Music, said: “Barry was a wonderful man who was steeped in knowledge about our writers and their catalogues.
“He always had time to share his expertise with colleagues and was particularly keen to help younger members of the team who were making their way in the industry.
“We’ll miss his wry humour, energetic enthusiasm and his unbridled kindness. Our thoughts are with his wife Margaret and his family at this difficult time.”
“Barry’s extended family at Warner Chappell will miss him greatly, but carry fond memories of him forever.”
Shani Gonzales, Warner Chappell Music
Shani Gonzales, Managing Director UK and Head of International A&R, Warner Chappell Music, added: “Barry’s reputation preceded him. He made an indelible impression and will be remembered by generations of colleagues he mentored over the years, both at Warner Chappell and across the music business.
“His passion for music publishing was legendary and he was always happy to share his knowledge and experience.
“Barry’s extended family at Warner Chappell will miss him greatly, but carry fond memories of him forever.”
Donations to the MacMillan Cancer Support are welcomed by the family.Music Business Worldwide
