The Genius of Quincy Jones in 4 Unforgettable Songs

Beginning in the 1950s, Quincy Jones influenced nearly every style of music, from jazz and disco to R&B and pop.

Jones left a lasting mark as an arranger, soundtrack composer, songwriter, and producer. He was a titanic innovator with the rare gift of connecting musical genius to commercial appeal. He navigated changing technology and trends in timeless collaborations with Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, and many others.

Jones died on November 3 in Los Angeles at age 91. To celebrate his legacy, here are four unforgettable songs by a producer who set the standard in pop music.

“Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” by Michael Jackson from Off the Wall (1979)

Jackson and Jones connected while working together on the 1978 film The Wiz. The opening track and first single from Off the Wall kicked off Jackson’s grown-up period with a disco hit featuring percussion by Sheila E. “Don’t Stop” previewed what was to come from one of pop music’s most prolific partnerships. Thriller arrived three years later. This is Jackson’s second-best groove.

“Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson from Thriller (1982)

And that leads us to Jackson’s top groove—the one even he couldn’t resist. The intro to “Billie Jean” lasts 30 seconds—an eternity by pop standards. But Jackson fought to keep it, telling Jones, “That’s what makes me want to dance.” The King of Pop won the argument, and the track helped launch the colossal success of Thriller. Jackson had quickly mastered disco on “Don’t Stop,” then subsequently followed it with this post-disco anthem. Do think twice. Whoo!

“Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra from It Might as Well Be Swing (1964)

Sinatra’s first studio album with Jones also features Count Basie and his orchestra. When Jones played the arrangement for Sinatra, Jones told The Hollywood Reporter, “Frank just died when he heard it.” The tune began a long partnership between the two, which included the iconic live album Sinatra at the Sands in 1966. But it wasn’t only how Jones arranged the instruments; he made Sinatra’s voice sound like a uniquely powerful instrument within Basie’s swinging band.

“We Are the World” by U.S.A. for Africa from We Are the World (1985)

Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote a charity single to benefit the 1983-85 famine in Ethiopia. Then Jones was tasked with conducting an ensemble of the world’s biggest stars to perform it. The music video shows Jones conducting the star-studded group through vocal breaks, key changes, and choral arrangements. The song peaks with Stevie Wonder’s turn at the mic and Bruce Springsteen’s throaty ad-libs.  

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Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage