By Habeeb Ibrahim
Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer and composer, passed away at the age of 91 on November 4, 2024, at his home in Los Angeles. His extensive career spanned decades, and his collaboration with Michael Jackson is among the most celebrated partnerships in music history.
Together, they created some of the most iconic albums and songs that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
Jones’s relationship with Jackson began during the production of the 1978 film The Wiz, in which Jackson starred. This partnership blossomed into a professional alliance that would redefine pop music.
Their first major collaboration, the album Off the Wall, released in 1979, marked a significant turning point for Jackson, transforming him from a child star to a global icon.
The album featured hits like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Rock with You,” showcasing a blend of disco, funk, and soul that became a blueprint for Jackson’s future work.
However, it was their next project, Thriller, that solidified their legendary status. Released in 1982, Thriller became the best-selling album of all time, featuring classics such as “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and the title track “Thriller.”
Jones’s innovative production techniques, such as recruiting rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen for a solo on “Beat It” and incorporating Vincent Price’s chilling narration on “Thriller,” set new standards in the industry. The album won a record-breaking eight Grammy Awards in 1984, including Album of the Year, and it remains a cultural touchstone.
Jones’s production style was characterized by his ability to blend various musical genres, seamlessly incorporating elements of pop, rock, R&B, jazz, and funk. His work with Jackson exemplified this versatility, as they created a sound that appealed to a broad audience. This fusion not only helped launch Jackson’s career but also influenced countless artists who followed.
Despite their success, the relationship between Jones and Jackson was complex. While they shared a mutual respect and admiration, tensions did arise, especially in later years.
After Jackson’s death in 2009, Jones publicly expressed his grievances regarding unpaid royalties and production fees, resulting in a legal battle with Jackson’s estate. Additionally, Jones described Jackson as “Machiavellian” in a 2018 interview, highlighting the challenges they faced in their partnership.
Quincy Jones’s impact on music extended far beyond his work with Jackson. He was a pioneer in the industry, becoming one of the first Black executives to succeed in Hollywood.
His contributions to film and television music were equally significant, as he composed scores for projects like Roots and In the Heat of the Night, and produced the charity single “We Are the World,” featuring a supergroup of artists, including Jackson himself.
