The Legacy of Quincy Jones: A Master of Musical Collaboration
“Quincy called me.” This simple yet profound statement serves as the opening line to some of the most captivating stories shared by legendary musicians over the past fifty years. It signifies the moment when they received a call from Quincy Jones, the extraordinary super-producer known for his unparalleled ability to not only create music but also to assemble the perfect ensemble of artists. Jones’s work often transcended the mere act of recording; it was a meticulous process of casting talent and capturing magic on tape.
Take Eddie Van Halen, for instance. In 1982, he received a call inviting him to lend his iconic guitar skills to Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking track “Beat It.” Although he chose not to take credit for his contribution at the time, Van Halen later reflected that this session became one of the most cherished memories of his illustrious career following Jackson’s untimely passing in 2009.
Greg Phillinganes, a synthesizer virtuoso who kicked off his career with the legendary Stevie Wonder, also found himself on the receiving end of many such calls. As a highly sought-after session player, Phillinganes contributed to numerous albums produced by Jones, working alongside luminaries like Michael Jackson, Donna Summer, and James Ingram, among others. He shared his thoughts on the significance of these calls, stating, “By virtue of getting a call, that was the endorsement that you were worthy of being there.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of being welcomed into an elite circle, filled not only with megastars but also with exceptionally talented yet often lesser-known musicians. Each artist was meticulously chosen by Jones for their unique contributions to a project.
Quincy Jones, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 91, was a pioneer of a nearly extinct approach to record-making. This method relied heavily on the collaboration of gifted musicians working under the finely tuned ear of a dedicated producer. For decades, he maintained a roster of the pop world’s finest players, always ready to answer the call. Whether it was a career-defining moment for an up-and-coming artist or just another session gig for a seasoned professional, Jones had an uncanny ability to handpick musicians who could elevate a track with a dazzling guitar riff, enrich its sound with a synth melody, or anchor it with the perfect rhythmic beat.
