How Quincy Jones Transformed Entertainment With These Stars

Today (Mar. 14), the world of music and entertainment honors the undeniable icon, Quincy Jones. The visionary producer, composer, and conductor defined the sound of generations. Read more about how ‘The Quincy Jones Effect’ has influenced a multitude of artists, producers and the entertainment industry at large.

Quincy Jones’ Impact

Last year, Jones, whose influence spanned jazz, pop, soul, and R&B, passed away at the age of 91 years old. He would have been 92 years old today. Known for his sharp ear, musical genius, and unmatched ability to break boundaries, Quincy Jones leaves behind a legacy as one of the most innovative forces in entertainment history.

Through The Years

Quincy’s career took off in the ’50s, but his legendary status was cemented in the decades that followed, working alongside the industry’s brightest stars. In the ’80s, he produced Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking album, Thriller,  which became the best-selling album of all time. The album gave fans unforgettable hits like “Billie Jean,” “Beat It,” and “Thriller.” His production transformed Jackson into the King of Pop and set a new standard for music production.

Notable Collaborations

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Jones collaborated with everyone from jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie to pop royalty. His 1989 hit, “The Secret Garden,” was a smooth R&B anthem that brought together Barry White, El DeBarge, James Ingram, and Al B. Sure, showing Jones’s gift for blending unique voices into an unforgettable sound. Same goes for his contribution to music in creating “We Are the World,” a historic charity single featuring Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, and many other legendary musicians. This showcased his power to unify music for a cause, raising millions to fight hunger in Africa.

Music & Beyond

Not only did the all-star producer’s musical contributions transform the music industry, but the pioneer also touched countless film projects. He scored the music for the 1978 cult classic film, The Wiz, starring Ross and Jackson. He went on to contribute to several other movies like the 1985 The Color Purple, Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, The Italian Job, and In The Heat of the Night to name a few. Whether in film, television, or the studio, Quincy Jones elevated every project he touched. The music world has lost a true architect of sound, but his influence will resonate forever. Rest in power, Quincy – your beats, vision, and the joy you brought the world will live on in every note.

Check out some of Quincy Jones’ best musical and film collaborations below:

1. Michael Jackson

• Thriller (1982): Produced the best-selling album of all time, which included hits like “Billie Jean,” “Thriller,” and “Beat It.”
• Off the Wall (1979): Produced Jackson’s breakthrough album with hits like “Rock with You” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”
• Bad (1987): Worked on Jackson’s third major album with chart-toppers like “Bad” and “The Way You Make Me Feel.”

2. Frank Sinatra

• Sinatra at the Sands (1966): Conducted and arranged for Sinatra’s live album, recorded with Count Basie and his orchestra.
• Their collaboration continued through various projects, with Jones’s arrangements becoming iconic to Sinatra’s swing style.

3. Jazz Legends Like Dizzy Gillespie

• Dizzy Gillespie: Collaborated as an arranger and player, notably in The Birth of the Bebop and various early bebop projects.
• Miles Davis: Worked with Davis on arrangements, establishing connections between bebop and big band sounds.
• Ray Charles: A long-time friend and collaborator, Jones and Charles combined for projects that bridged jazz and R&B.

4. USA For Africa's "We Are The World"

• Produced the iconic charity single in 1985 featuring Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, and more, raising millions for famine relief in Africa.

5. Film Scores & Soundtracks

• In the Heat of the Night (1967): Scored this racially charged thriller, bringing his jazz influence to Hollywood.
• The Color Purple (1985): Produced and supervised the soundtrack for Steven Spielberg’s adaptation of Alice Walker’s novel.
• Roots (1977): Composed the theme for this landmark television mini-series, reflecting African American heritage.
• The Wiz (1978): Produced and arranged the soundtrack for this soulful retelling of The Wizard of Oz, featuring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. The project became an iconic piece of Black cinema and music.

6. R&B & Soul Icons Like The Brothers Johnson

• Aretha Franklin: Collaborated on projects, including producing her hit “Angel.”
• Diana Ross: Produced songs and contributed to her musical development.
• Chaka Khan: Worked on Stuff Like That, featuring artists like Chaka Khan and Ashford & Simpson.
• The Brothers Johnson: Produced multiple hits, including “Strawberry Letter 23” and “I’ll Be Good to You.”

7. Major Solo Projects & Albums

• The Dude (1981): His solo album featuring hits like “Just Once” and “Ai No Corrida,” with vocalists like James Ingram.
• Back on the Block (1989): This Grammy-winning album blended jazz, hip-hop, and R&B, featuring artists like Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, and Ice-T.
• The Secret Garden (1989): This sensual hit from the album Back on the Block featured an all-star lineup including Barry White, Al B. Sure!, James Ingram, and El DeBarge, creating a classic R&B collaboration.
• Mellow Madness (1975): This jazz-funk album includes collaborations with legendary session musicians, blending smooth grooves and catchy rhythms that showcased Jones’s versatility in jazz, soul, and funk.

8. Various Artists Across Genres From Paul Simon to Ella Fitzgerald

• Paul Simon: Collaborated with him for performances and on musical arrangements.
• Sarah Vaughan: Produced and arranged for the jazz singer, showcasing her versatility in various genres.
• Bono: Teamed up with him for musical events and social causes.
• Ella Fitzgerald: Worked together on musical tributes, celebrating the era of jazz vocals.

9. Other Notable Musical Contributions

• Produced and arranged for George Benson (“Give Me the Night”).
• Worked with Lionel Richie, Patti Austin, and James Ingram.
• Collaborated on Broadway musicals and conducted for television productions.

10. His Discoveries & Mentorship

• Will Smith: Quincy Jones played a pivotal role in launching Will Smith’s acting career. In the early 1990s, Jones discovered Smith, who was known primarily as a rapper under the name “The Fresh Prince.” Jones believed Smith had the charisma and appeal to lead a sitcom. This led to The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, a series Jones produced, which became a cultural phenomenon and catapulted Smith to international stardom. Jones’s instinct for talent and his ability to spot star potential was instrumental in transforming Smith from a musician into one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors.

• Michael Jackson: Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson’s collaboration redefined pop music. After meeting on the set of The Wiz, Jones produced Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, transforming Jackson into the “King of Pop.” Together, they created legendary albums that broke records and forever influenced the music industry.

• Oprah Winfrey: Quincy Jones recognized Oprah Winfrey’s potential to go beyond her role as a news anchor. In The Color Purple, Jones cast her as Sofia, a role that earned her an Oscar nomination. This exposure launched her into the entertainment world, paving the way for her eventual media empire. Jones continued to support Winfrey as she revolutionized television and empowered countless others.

• Tevin Campbell: Jones introduced R&B singer Tevin Campbell in 1990, and Campbell’s breakout single “Tomorrow (A Better You, Better Me)” became a major hit. Campbell’s collaborations with Jones on Back on the Block showcased his vocal talents and helped establish him as a young R&B star.

• Patti Austin and James Ingram: Jones mentored both Austin and Ingram, who were featured on several of his projects. Their work with Jones gave them mainstream exposure and launched their successful solo careers.