Quincy Jones, who passed away at 91, left an indelible mark on music, working alongside iconic artists like Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson. His unparalleled ability to blend genres, guide collaborations, and innovate production techniques reshaped the sound of jazz and pop music. Jones once stated, "Music is sacred to me. Melody is God's voice," and his profound understanding of this ethos is evident in his expansive body of work. Here’s a look at ten songs that encapsulate his extraordinary contributions:
1) Michael Jackson - "Billie Jean"
This iconic track emerged from the partnership between Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson, solidifying Jackson’s status as a solo artist after their collaboration on "Off The Wall" and the monumental "Thriller." Despite initial hesitations about its lengthy intro, Jones defended the song’s essence, resulting in an unforgettable intro that is now part of pop culture history.
2) Frank Sinatra - "Come Fly With Me (Live at The Sands)"
Quincy Jones not only rearranged Sinatra’s classic songs, but also elevated their live performances, particularly during his set with the Count Basie Orchestra at The Sands. "Come Fly With Me" became a standout, showcasing Jones's innovative arrangements to create a unique and dynamic sound.
3) Lesley Gore - "It's My Party"
After discovering Gore in the early 1960s, Jones produced this anthem of teenage heartbreak. By leveraging his experience with jazz to enhance her distinctive voice, he crafted a song that captured the essence of youthful angst, setting a precedent for future pop hits.
4) Quincy Jones - "Summer In The City"
While originally a rock classic by The Lovin' Spoonful, Jones's version turned the energy down, creating a laid-back vibe that transformed the song into a chill jazz number. This innovative reinterpretation has since influenced a myriad of artists across genres.
5) Dinah Washington - "Mad About The Boy"
Jones's reimagining of this Sir Noël Coward tune allowed Washington’s sultry vocals to shine, employing a slower tempo and a shift in time signature that added depth and intimacy to the lyrics, breathing new life into the original composition.
6) Quincy Jones - "Soul Bossa Nova"
Written in just 20 minutes, this track is a vibrant fusion of jazz and Brazilian music. Its catchy rhythms and melodies have endured through generations, becoming a staple piece often recognized from its inclusion in pop culture phenomena like the "Austin Powers" films.
7) Michael Jackson - "Beat It"
This groundbreaking song was crafted to integrate Jackson into rock radio, challenging traditional boundaries. With a legendary guitar solo by Eddie Van Halen, the song exemplified Jones's commitment to prioritizing musical integrity over commercial interests.
8) The Brothers Johnson - "Strawberry Letter #23"
Under Jones's guidance, this track morphed from an obscure original into a chart-topping hit. His production complexities intertwined within a rich texture of sound, transforming the Brothers Johnson’s music into a genre-defining classic.
9) Sarah Vaughan - "Misty"
A brilliant showcase of Jones's arranging skills, this collaboration with Vaughan melds her emotive vocal delivery with lush orchestration. The result is a poignant interpretation, highlighting both artists’ artistic genius.
10) USA For Africa - "We Are The World"
This iconic charity single brought together countless artists under Jones's adept leadership. Despite challenges in managing such diverse talent, the song surged to success, ultimately raising millions for famine relief, marking a defining moment in the intersection of music and humanitarian efforts.
Quincy Jones's legacy as a multifaceted producer, arranger, and musician endures in these ten tracks, which illustrate not only his incomparable talent but also his profound understanding of the craft that changed the music landscape forever.
