3 of the Best Songs Produced By Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones‘ production catalog is vast but equally as full of high points. From stellar doo-wop tunes to grooving R&B tracks, Jones has more than earned his prestige. Check out three of his best efforts, below.

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1. “The Girl Is Mine”

Producing a duet between Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney would be the dream of any producer, but few could do it as timelessly as Jones did on “The Girl Is Mine.” It has the trademark Jones groove and an instantly catchy melody. The golden partnership between Jones and Jackson has been highlighted countless times, but this is certainly one of their best collaborative bouts.

I don’t understand the way you think
Saying that she’s yours not mine
Sending roses and your silly dreams
Really just a waste of time

Because she’s mine
The doggone girl is mine

2. “You Don’t Own Me”

“You Don’t Own Me” is as strong a statement against sexism today as it was in 1963. Lesley Gore‘s impassioned performance of this Jones-produced track is enough to make anyone stand a little taller. Jones went on to produce another version of this song for Australian singer SayGrace. Both versions are a testament to Jones’ enduring production style.

You don’t own me
I’m not just one of your many toys
You don’t own me
Don’t say I can’t go with other boys

And don’t tell me what to do
Don’t tell me what to say
And please, when I go out with you
Don’t put me on display ’cause

3. “Billie Jean”

We’d be remiss if we didn’t include at least two songs from Jackson on this list as he is, unarguably, Jones’ most famous collaborator. That being said, many songs could’ve made this list, but we’ve chosen to take a closer look at “Billie Jean.”

This song remains one of Jackson’s biggest efforts. Both endlessly replayable and topical, Jackson and Jones must have known they struck gold when they finished this one.

Billie Jean is not my lover
She’s just a girl who claims that I am the one
But the kid is not my son
She says I am the one, but the kid is not my son

(Photo by Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images)