Maurice Kinn

Maurice Irving Kinn (2 June 1924 – 3 August 2000) was a British music publisher and journalist. He was proprietor of the New Musical Express (NME) from 1952 to 1963, during which time the publication expanded its circulation and coverage of popular music. During this period, the NME introduced a UK singles chart based on record sales and organised the Poll Winners’ Concerts, which featured prominent popular music acts of the period, including the Beatles and the Rolling Stones.

Early life and career

Kinn was born in Limehouse, London, in 1924. He attended Kent Coast College but left education at the age of 14. He later worked part-time at Dreamland amusement park in Margate, where his parents operated a boarding house. He began his career as a junior reporter at Boxing Times before moving into music promotion. By the late 1940s and early 1950s, he was organising dances and concerts at UK dance halls. In 1951, he established his own agency representing bandleaders including Ambrose, Ivy Benson, Joe Loss, and Cyril Stapleton.

Acquisition of the New Musical Express

In late 1952, Kinn was informed by Les Perrin, news editor of Musical Express, that the publication was likely to close unless a buyer could be found. At the time, circulation was approximately 15,000. Kinn purchased the title for £1,000, renamed it the New Musical Express (NME), and became its owner.

Sale of the NME and later career

In 1963, IPC Media acquired the NME for £500,000, with Kinn remaining as executive director for a further ten years. During this period, circulation increased substantially, and the publication became the UK’s highest-selling weekly music newspaper.

After leaving the NME in 1973, Kinn attempted to acquire Record Retailer and The Stage, though both efforts were unsuccessful. In later years, he ran a florist business, worked as a consultant to record companies, contributed to national newspapers, and promoted concerts by artists including Status Quo, David Essex, and the Electric Light Orchestra.

Personal life and death

Kinn married Berenice in 1951. He had two children and three grandchildren. He was a lifelong supporter of Arsenal F.C. and a member of the Marylebone Cricket Club. He was made a Freeman of the City of London in 1996 and received a BASCA Gold Badge Award for contributions to the British entertainment industry.

He died in London of cancer on 3 August 2000 at the age of 76 and was buried in Edgwarebury Cemetery, London.