Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones was the architect behind Michael Jackson's greatest run. The two met during work on The Wiz in 1978, and Jackson soon asked the veteran producer to help shape his first grown-up solo record. That partnership produced Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, a trilogy that redrew the map of pop. Jones brought a jazz musician's ear, an orchestrator's discipline, and a deep bench of players and writers. He knew when to push Jackson and when to step back and let a vocal breathe. Their working chemistry mixed warmth with high standards. After Bad, the two drifted into separate paths, but the music they made together remains the core of Jackson's legend.

Produced Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987), with Jackson co-producing. Assembled the songwriters, arrangers, and session musicians who defined the sound. Produced 'We Are the World' (1985) for USA for Africa. Shepherded Thriller to eight Grammy Awards at the 1984 ceremony.