In brief
This tribute explores Quincy Jones's unmatched talents and collaborations that not only defined careers but transformed genres, highlighting his work with legends like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra.
---"Music is sacred to me," Quincy Jones once mused. "Melody is God's voice." A guiding light in the music industry, Jones, who passed away at 91, was instrumental in shaping the musical landscape, collaborating with titans such as Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson. With a profound impact on jazz and pop across six decades, his recordings unimaginable with genre boundaries shattered, Jones's brilliance is evident through these ten tracks that illustrate his versatility and exceptional knack for bringing out the finest in his collaborators.1) **Michael Jackson - Billie Jean** Quincy Jones's partnership with Michael Jackson began during the making of the film The Wiz in 1978, leading to the production of Jackson's breakthrough solo album, Off The Wall. Their collaboration continued with the iconic record Thriller, which changed the face of pop music. A standout track, Billie Jean tells a compelling story intertwined with rhythm, where Jones famously debated with Jackson over its prolonged instrumental intro. Ultimately, Jones recognized the magic of Jackson's vision, resulting in an unforgettable sound that remains a pop culture staple.2) **Frank Sinatra - Come Fly With Me (Live at The Sands)** Quincy Jones crafted a deep friendship and musical partnership with Frank Sinatra, particularly during Sinatra's historic residency at The Sands in Las Vegas. Jones redefined Sinatra's classic tracks with innovative arrangements, and Come Fly With Me became a highlight, showcasing the joyful synergy between Sinatra and the brass section, forever immortalized in their award-winning live album.3) **Lesley Gore - It's My Party** Jones discovered Lesley Gore's talent in the early 1960s, taking a chance on her distinctive voice. It's My Party, chosen from a pile of demos, became a chart-topping single. With Jones's double-tracking technique and brass embellishments, the song's theme of adolescent angst soared to popularity, representing a pivotal moment in both Jones's and Gore’s careers.4) **Quincy Jones - Summer In The City** Transforming the 1960s rock classic by The Lovin' Spoonful into a relaxing bossa nova instrumental, Jones recorded Summer In The City for his album You've Got It Bad Girl, creating a breezy rendition that diverged dramatically from the original. Its soothing style influenced countless subsequent tracks, proving Jones's aptitude for reinventing music.5) **Dinah Washington - Mad About The Boy** When Dinah Washington covered Sir Noël Coward's Mad About The Boy, Jones orchestrated a shift in rhythm and tempo that imparted a sensual quality to the song. Although initially overlooked, it re-emerged as a cultural touchstone in the 1990s, showcasing the enduring impact of Jones's arrangements.6) **Quincy Jones - Soul Bossa Nova** Written in just 20 minutes, Soul Bossa Nova showcased Jones's affinity for Brazilian music, implementing playful elements, such as the cuíca drum. The track gained renewed popularity through its use in films like Austin Powers, presenting Jones's flair for catchy, joyous compositions.7) **Michael Jackson - Beat It** Integral to the blockbuster sound of Thriller, Beat It was crafted with an eye towards rock radio, a groundbreaking aspiration for African American artists in the 1980s. Jones's collaboration with Eddie Van Halen for the guitar solo brought fresh energy, solidifying Jackson’s presence in mainstream rock and pop.8) **The Brothers Johnson - Strawberry Letter #23** After discovering George and Louis Johnson, Quincy Jones produced their hit Strawberry Letter #23 and merged genres with sophistication, leading to memorable results that defined the duo’s career and captivated listeners.9) **Sarah Vaughan - Misty** In 1958, Jones collaborated with jazz legend Sarah Vaughan, producing a poignant rendition of Misty. Their interpretation infused new life into the classic, revealing Jones's masterful orchestration talents just as Vaughan's unique vocal artistry shone through.10) **USA For Africa - We Are The World** As a testament to his role as a producer, Jones orchestrated the monumental We Are The World project in 1985, gathering a cornucopia of artists for a poignant cause. Despite the effort to merge diverse talents, the collaboration ultimately symbolized Jones's unifying power in the music industry.Quincy Jones's legacy is not only written in these ten tracks but also etched in the very fabric of modern music, bringing people together and inspiring generations to come.
