7 Songs That Prove Why Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Are ‘Certified Soul’ Nominees
What production duo James “Jimmy Jam” Harris III and Terry Steven Lewis have contributed to the music industry cannot be measured. Every award the two have ever received for their achievements are more than deserving.
During the 2019 Soul Train Awards, the pair were honored with the “Legend” award and having iconic songs for artists including Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, and more, Jimmy and Terry are legends indeed. Which further proves why they were nominated for the 2021 Soul Train “Certified Soul” award.
However, before we celebrate, we’re taking a look back at some of the greatest and most classic hits from the Grammy award-winning duo.
Mary J. Blige “No Drama”
Jam and Lewis wrote this record with the intention of having Blige rewrite the song to make it more personal, but instead the songstress left the emotional lyrics penned to the backdrop of The Young and the Restless theme song as is.
Ralph Tresvant “Sensitivity”
This was the first record of Tresvant’s first solo project since splitting from New Edition. It became his biggest hit, peaking at number one on the U.S. R&B music charts, number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100
Janet Jackson “That’s the Way Love Goes”
Lewis described this record as “Sweet, sultry, and sexy,” and that couldn’t have described this 1993 record any better.
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Sounds Of Blackness, “I Believe”
This 1994 dance record with a heavy soul undertone proved there wasn’t a genre Jam and Lewis couldn’t make a hit for.
Boyz II Men “Bended Knee”
Not only a classic hit from the songwriter, but definitely a top ten wedding song.
Usher “U remind Me”
Unlike their other record, the duo only produced this song. Lewis once told Rolling Stone that this track re-inspired him to want to produce at a time where many acts were essentially taking the easy route to creating music. This song also earned Usher his first Grammy Award for “Best Male R&B Vocal Performance” in 2002.
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Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson “Scream /Childhood”
Written within a hour, Jam and Lewis were at the helm of this project with Janet who flew in to help with inspiration. Following a “mind-blowing” studio session, what was created is arguably one the most cultural shifting record and music
Watch the 2021 Soul Train Awards on Sunday, November 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on BET and BET Her.
