Quincy Jones is the story of a life orchestrating emotions, of the audacity of a genius who never feared breaking the boundaries between genres, generations and cultures. Today, the world loses a legend, but his harmonies resonate eternally. From smoky jazz clubs to bright pop stages and the use of his samples in rap, Quincy leaves an indelible mark on the history of music. In homage, we revisit ten of his essential pieces, symbols of a career that redefined the way we listen, feel, and experience music.
Also see on Konbini
#1. Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” (1982)
With “Billie Jean,” Quincy Jones transformed a simple beat into an intergenerational anthem that redefined pop forever. This track, from the album Thriller by Michael Jackson, continues to resonate as one of the most iconic productions in modern music.
#2. Quincy Jones (feat. Chaka Khan et Ray Charles) – “I’ll Be Good To You” (1989)
Quincy Jones unites his magic with the powerful vocals of Chaka Khan and Ray Charles to create “I'll Be Good To You”, a vibrant track that blends soul and groove with rare sophistication. And what a monstrous association of legends!
#3. Michael Jackson – “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” (1979)
A turning point in Michael Jackson's solo career, “Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough” is a concentrate of funk and energy that propelled MJ towards a legendary career and it is still under the leadership of Quincy.
#4. Frank Sinatra – “Fly Me To The Moon” (1964)
In this version orchestrated by Quincy, “Fly Me To The Moon” becomes timeless, marrying jazz and pop with an elegance that immortalizes Sinatra's voice in the most beautiful way.
#5. Michael Jackson – “Thriller” (1982)
Produced by Quincy Jones, “Thriller” is much more than a song: it is a cultural phenomenon. With its funky beat, pop sounds and revolutionary horror-movie music video, “Thriller” redefined music and entertainment, marking a turning point in the history of pop culture. Its impact remains colossal, crossing generations and establishing standards that are still unmatched.
#6. U.S.A. For Africa – “We Are The World” (1985)
Produced by Quincy Jones, “We Are The World” is a “humanitarian anthem” that brings together artists like Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, and Stevie Wonder for a charitable cause. This song has become a symbol of global solidarity.
#7. Quincy Jones – “Soul Bossa Nova” (1962)
With “Soul Bossa Nova,” Quincy has crafted a piece that embodies pure joy, capturing the essence of bossa nova with a jazz touch that only he has the secret to. This piece has become a worldwide signature, particularly in cinema, notably as the opening music of the franchise Austin Powerswhich made it immediately recognizable and cult in pop culture.
#8. Quincy Jones feat. James Ingram – “Just Once” (1981)
In “Just Once”, Quincy Jones displays all his production art by combining touching arrangements with the emotion-filled voice of James Ingram, for a title imbued with nostalgia and sweetness.
#9. George Benson – “Give Me the Night” (1980)
In this title, we find a host of exceptional musicians with the unique touch of Quincy Jones on production. This 1980s disco-funk classic, carried by Benson's guitar, captures the essence of groove and remains an essential reference.
#10. Aretha Franklin – “Angel” (1973)
Angel reveals all of Aretha's emotional depth and vocal power. The song is a unique moment of musical grace that gives you chills every time you listen.
Quincy was also a huge inspiration to hip-hop. His music has been extensively sampled and we leave you with this thread of enthusiasts who remember Quincy's impact in rap, from MF DOOM to 2Pac via Mobb Deep and Kendrick Lamar:
