Master Maestro: 10 Quincy Jones Hits That Prove He’s a Musical Genius
Powerhouse producer, gifted musician, and cultural icon Quincy Jones is embedded in the fabric of American music with his all-too-legendary catalog. The 28-time Grammy-winning mogul’s work with some of the biggest names in music spans numerous decades and genres, making for one of the most impactful and successful entertainment careers ever.
It’s inspiring to think about how much Jones has achieved in his lifetime. With his collaborations alone, he can say he’s worked with the likes of Miles Davis, Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Ella Fitzgerald, Ray Charles, and Michael Jackson, to name a few. His award-winning contributions to the music world are unparalleled and still wildly celebrated today. Join us as we revisit 10 of Jones’ greatest hits that prove his genius hitmaking abilities.
“Don’t Stop 'Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson
Jones helped Michael Jackson unearth a whole new sound when he produced “Don’t Stop 'Til You Get Enough” off his “Off the Album,” the latter’s first No. 1 song from the LP. The single was among the first of many collaborations between the dynamic duo.
"Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson
Jones followed up the success of “Off the Wall” with another major hit for Jackson, “Billie Jean.” The iconic song spent seven weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It was among the leading singles from Jackson’s Grammy-winning, multiple-platinum “Thriller” album, which also earned Jones a Grammy.
“Beat It” by Michael Jackson
Another huge “Thriller” classic co-produced by Jones was Jackson’s Grammy-winning, Billboard-topping hit “Beat It.” Fun fact: it was Jones’ idea to include the epic rock song on Jackson’s sixth solo studio album.
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“We Are the World” by USA for Africa
Jones was part of the all-star team that helped pull together the iconic, star-studded charity track “We Are the World,” which he produced. The history behind the song's making was chronicled with archived footage in Netflix’s “The Greatest Night in Pop” documentary.
“The Dude” by Quincy Jones
Jones was still riding the high of being one of the most in-demand producers in the ‘80s when he created his song “The Dude” off his album of the same name. The track, which featured vocals from James Ingram, earned Jones a Grammy in 1982 for “Best R&B Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal.”
“Love Is in Control (Finger on the Trigger)” by Donna Summer
Jones played a big part in Donna Summer’s "Love Is in Control (Finger on the Trigger),” the lead single off her 1982 self-titled album, which he also produced. The song peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for several weeks.
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“Back on the Block” by Melle Mel, Tevin Campbell, Kool Moe Dee, Ice-T, and Big Daddy Kane
In 1989, Jones released his “Back on the Block” album, featuring several legendary musicians and singers across generations — including Ella Fitzgerald, Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Chaka Khan, Al B. Sure!, Tevin Campbell, Ice-T, and Big Daddy Kane. The latter three, plus hip-hop icons Melle Mel and Kool Moe Dee, contributed to Jones’ song of the same name, which earned them all a Grammy award for “Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group.”
“Baby, Come to Me” by Patti Austin
Jones produced the slow-burn R&B hit “Baby, Come to Me” for Patti Austin and James Ingram in 1982. Initially, the song wasn’t a huge success until the soap opera “General Hospital” used it in an episode. The duet was then re-released and pushed to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for two weeks straight.
“Give Me the Night” by George Benson
Impressed by the sound he innovated on Jackson’s “Off the Wall” album, George Benson joined forces with Jones in 1980, where the two came up with their groovy hit “Give Me the Night.” The song even featured some of Jackson’s collaborators, like Austin and Heatwave’s Rod Temperton.
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"I'll Be Good To You" by The Brothers Johnson
Jones produced the 1976 R&B hit "I'll Be Good To You" by the duo The Brothers Johnson, which later hit No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. Fourteen years later, Jones recorded a cover of the song with Ray Charles and Chaka Khan.