Quincy Jones: 20 Great Productions From “It’s My Party” to Thriller and beyond, we survey the late producer’s iconic career

When Quincy Jones, in his famously freewheeling 2018 interview with New York magazine, was asked to name the greatest musical innovation of his storied career, he answered, “Everything I’ve done.” It’s hard to argue with that. Just look at the incomparable legacy that Jones, who died Nov. 3 at age 91, has left behind. Born in 1933, he began as a jazz trumpeter, and he worked his way up to a spot in Dizzy Gillespie’s band while honing his chops as a producer, composer, and arranger for everyone from Count Basie to Duke Ellington and Ray Charles. He was even in on the ground floor of rock & roll, conducting and arranging Big Maybelle’s 1955 record “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On,” two years before Jerry Lee Lewis recorded his hit version of the song. His production work began to take precedence in the early Sixties, when he helmed the first recordings by an unknown singer named Lesley Gore, who promptly assumed the status of pop icon; he also began garnering Grammy nominations, eventually taking home 28 of the awards (sharing the record at the time for the most Grammys won by a living artist).

In the Sixties, Jones became a prolific soundtrack composer and a recording artist in his own right. A stroke in 1974 nearly ended his life, but he bounced back quickly, engineering the triumphant rise of Michael Jackson to solo megastardom, starting with 1979’s historic Off the Wall. From there, Jones’ groundbreaking mix of studio technology, top-tier songwriting and sculptural arrangements — culminating in Jackson’s Thriller — altered the sonic landscape of the Eighties and beyond. The pop and R&B of the 21st century would be unrecognizable without his influence. Here are 20 of his greatest productions and compositions for other artists.

Related Posts

NAKAKAIYAK: Emotional Farewell on ‘Eat Bulaga’ After 4 Decades of Bonding – Fans Left Heartbroken!

NAKAKAIYAK: Emotional Farewell on ‘Eat Bulaga’ After 4 Decades of Bonding – Fans Left Heartbroken! A heart-wrenching moment unfolded on the set of ‘Eat Bulaga’ as the iconic noontime…

WATCH NOW: Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards burst into tears at the premiere of “Hello, Love, Again”, What brought them to this emotional moment?😱😱😱

LOOK: Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards Turn Emotional During Premiere Night of “Hello, Love, Again” Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards were both emotional during the premiere night…

AiAi Delas Alas, Success in Regaining Green Card: Gerald Sibayan, Risk of Deportation!

A hot news has shocked the showbiz world after AiAi Delas Alas successfully fought to regain her Green Card from her ex-husband Gerald Sibayan. The couple’s controversial…

Daniel Padilla, Kathryn Bernardo spotted holding hands in Boracay. What’s going on?

Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo were caught spending the weekend in Boracay.     Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo were caught holding hands while walking in Boracay….

OMG OMG! ALDEN RICHARDS AND KATHRYN BERNARDO SURPRISE FANS WITH FAULKERSON-BERNARDO HOMES PROJECT 😭 NEW SCHEDULES REVEALED! HOLLYWOOD INTERVIEW TURNS HILARIOUS

MANILA, Philippines – Alden Richards and Kathryn Bernardo continue to keep fans guessing as they team up for an exciting new endeavor, sparking both curiosity and excitement….

Mark Anthony Fernandez Breaks His Silence in THIS Viral Video – Here’s the Shocking Truth!

Actor Mark Anthony Fernandez has addressed the viral video that has recently been circulating online, causing a stir among fans and the public. The video, which quickly…