Quincy Jones, who passed away at the age of 91, leaves behind a monumental legacy shaped through his work with some of the greatest names in music. His philosophy encapsulated the sacredness of music, famously stating, "Music is sacred to me. Melody is God's voice." From collaborating with Frank Sinatra to crafting unforgettable hits for Michael Jackson, Jones was a force in shaping the sound of modern music for over six decades. Below are ten songs that showcase his unparalleled talent and his remarkable skill in elevating the artists he worked with.
1) Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
The genesis of the monumental hit "Billie Jean" traces back to the collaboration between Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson, starting from their first project on 'The Wiz.' "Thriller," the album that featured this iconic track, changed the course of pop music, helping it transcend racial divides. Jones’s insistence on preserving the intriguing intro led to one of the most iconic openings in music history.
2) Frank Sinatra - Come Fly With Me (Live at The Sands)
Quincy Jones established an illustrious partnership with Frank Sinatra, contributing significantly to the legendary singer's arrangements. The live rendition of “Come Fly With Me” exemplifies the vibrant synergy facilitated by Jones, showcasing an exhilarating blend of Sinatra's vocal charm and lively brass arrangements, creating a memorable performance.
3) Lesley Gore - It's My Party
Discovered by Quincy Jones as a teenager, Lesley Gore delivered the classic "It's My Party," which Jones produced with innovative techniques. By enhancing her vocals and reinventing the arrangement, Jones captured the essence of teenage angst, topping U.S. charts through sheer brilliance and quick execution.
4) Quincy Jones - Summer In The City
Quincy Jones’s rendition of "Summer In The City" displays his ability to reinterpret existing songs. Stripping it down to minimalist highlights, his version contrasts significantly with the original, showcasing a stunningly serene interpretation that has influenced numerous later artists and tracks.
5) Dinah Washington - Mad About The Boy
Jones’s reimagining of "Mad About The Boy" for Dinah Washington illustrates his skill as an arranger. By altering the song's tempo and time signature, he provided a fresh take on a classic, reviving it years later for a new audience through advertising.
6) Quincy Jones - Soul Bossa Nova
Jones’s "Soul Bossa Nova," crafted in mere minutes, epitomizes the joy and whimsy of Brazilian sounds. Yet, it transcended its roots, later becoming recognized through its association with pop culture, especially evident through its feature in the "Austin Powers" film series.
7) Michael Jackson - Beat It
Collaborating with Michael Jackson on "Beat It," Jones sought to bridge rock and pop, a groundbreaking move in the racially divided music landscape of the '80s. The resulting track became a staple of both genres, with a legendary guitar solo from Eddie Van Halen that accentuated Jackson's rising star.
8) The Brothers Johnson - Strawberry Letter #23
This hit epitomizes Quincy Jones's knack for discovering and nurturing talent. His production on "Strawberry Letter #23" incorporated new arrangements, resulting in a sound that captivated audiences and achieved commercial success amidst a fiercely changing music environment.
9) Sarah Vaughan - Misty
In his early jazz career, Jones worked with icons like Sarah Vaughan, creating beautiful renditions like "Misty." His orchestration, alongside Vaughan's vocals, brought a new level of emotion to a classic ballad, showcasing his groundbreaking ability to elevate performances.
10) USA For Africa - We Are The World
Perhaps one of his crowning achievements was producing "We Are The World." This charity single united an array of artists and showcased Jones's chronicled skill in managing diverse talents. Despite its mixed reception, the initiative raised significant funds for famine relief, marking an indelible moment in music history.
Quincy Jones’s indelible mark on the music industry serves as a testament to his artistic brilliance, transcending genres and inspiring generations.
