Songs Quincy Jones Wrote
Quincy Jones is a legendary American record producer, composer, and musician who is known for his contributions to various genres of music. Throughout his career, he has written and produced numerous songs that have had a significant impact on the music industry. This article takes a closer look at some of the remarkable songs written by Quincy Jones.
Key Takeaways
- Quincy Jones wrote and produced numerous influential songs in his career.
- His songs span various genres, including jazz, rock, pop, and R&B.
- Many of his songs became chart-topping hits and received critical acclaim.
1. “We Are the World” – Co-written by Quincy Jones and Lionel Richie, this iconic song was released in 1985 and became an anthem for humanitarian causes worldwide. *The collaboration of renowned artists for this song was unprecedented at the time.*
2. “Thriller” – Released in 1982, this title track from Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking album was produced by Quincy Jones and remains one of the best-selling singles of all time. *Quincy’s production work on this song revolutionized the music video industry.*
3. “The Lady in My Life” – This beautiful love ballad, showcased on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album, was written and produced by Quincy Jones. *The song’s smooth and soulful melody captivated listeners worldwide.*
Quincy Jones’ Notable Songs
Song Title | Year | Artist |
---|---|---|
“Every Breath You Take” | 1983 | The Police |
“It’s My Party” | 1963 | Lesley Gore |
“Ironside Theme” | 1967 | Quincy Jones |
4. “Fly Me to the Moon” – Originally written by Bart Howard, Quincy Jones produced a rendition of this classic song for Frank Sinatra’s “It Might as Well Be Swing” album in 1964. *Quincy’s arrangement breathed new life into the song, making it a timeless piece.*
Chart-Topping Hits
- “I’ll Be Good to You” (1976) – The Brothers Johnson
- “P.Y.T. (Pretty Young Thing)” (1982) – Michael Jackson
- “Razzamatazz” (1981) – Quincy Jones
5. “Urgent” – Released in 1981, this hit single by the rock band Foreigner was co-written and produced by Quincy Jones. *The song’s catchy hooks and energetic sound contributed to its success on the charts.*
Quincy Jones’ Grammy Awards
Year | Award |
---|---|
1964 | Best Instrumental Arrangement |
1982 | Producer of the Year (Non-Classical) |
1991 | Best Music Video (Long Form) |
Quincy Jones has had an extraordinary career in the music industry, showcasing his talent through his songwriting and production skills. His versatile style and ability to work across genres have left a lasting impact on music and inspired countless artists.
Common Misconceptions
Songs Quincy Jones Wrote
Quincy Jones is a renowned American musician, composer, and record producer. However, there are several common misconceptions about the songs he wrote that need to be addressed.
- Quincy Jones wrote all the songs for Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album.
- Quincy Jones primarily composed jazz music.
- Quincy Jones only wrote songs for African-American artists.
1. Writing credits for “Thriller” album
One common misconception is that Quincy Jones wrote all the songs for Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” album. While Quincy Jones did produce the album, he had writing credits on only three out of the nine tracks. The majority of the songs were written by Michael Jackson himself or in collaboration with other songwriters, such as Rod Temperton.
- Quincy Jones mainly focused on the production aspect of the album.
- Misattributing the songwriting credits undermines the creative contributions of other artists.
- It is essential to acknowledge the collective effort behind a successful album rather than solely crediting one individual.
2. Composing jazz music
Another misconception surrounding Quincy Jones is that he primarily composed jazz music. While he is certainly well-known for his work in the jazz genre, his impressive career spans a wide range of musical styles, including pop, R&B, soul, funk, and orchestral music. He has collaborated with artists from various genres and has consistently pushed musical boundaries throughout his career.
- Quincy Jones has composed music for numerous genres and artists.
- His versatility as a composer is evident in his extensive discography.
- Limiting his music to only jazz undermines the diversity and creativity of his compositions.
3. Writing songs for African-American artists
Some people mistakenly believe that Quincy Jones exclusively wrote songs for African-American artists. While he has certainly collaborated with and supported many African-American musicians, he has also worked with artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures. Quincy Jones‘s music transcends racial boundaries, and his contributions have influenced artists worldwide.
- Quincy Jones’s music has had a global impact, beyond any single racial or ethnic group.
- He has collaborated with artists from different cultures, fostering cross-cultural musical exchanges.
- Attributing his work solely to African-American artists overlooks the universal appeal and influence of his music.
Quincy Jones: A Legendary Composer
Quincy Jones is a highly acclaimed American musician, composer, and record producer. Throughout his illustrious career, he has penned numerous iconic songs that have captivated audiences worldwide. The tables below highlight some of the most remarkable songs Quincy Jones has written, showcasing his exceptional talent and creative genius.
Chart-Toppers: Quincy Jones Hits
Song Title | Year Released | Artist | Genre |
---|---|---|---|
Thriller | 1982 | Michael Jackson | Pop |
We Are the World | 1985 | USA for Africa | Pop |
The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite) | 1989 | Quincy Jones | R&B |
Jazzin’ It Up: Jazz Classics by Quincy Jones
Song Title | Year Released | Featured Artists |
---|---|---|
Stormy Weather | 1959 | Lena Horne |
Stockholm Sweetnin’ | 1960 | Quincy Jones |
Soul Bossa Nova | 1962 | Quincy Jones |
Iconic Soundtracks: Quincy Jones’ Contributions
Movie Title | Year Released |
---|---|
The Color Purple | 1985 |
In the Heat of the Night | 1967 |
American Gangster | 2007 |
Grammy Winners: Songs by Quincy Jones
Song Title | Year | Award Category |
---|---|---|
Just Once | 1982 | Best R&B Song |
Back on the Block | 1989 | Album of the Year |
The Places You Find Love | 1991 | Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group |
Diverse Collaborations: Quincy Jones & Artists
Song Title | Year | Artists |
---|---|---|
Slow Jams | 1983 | Quincy Jones, Babyface, Tamia |
Stuff Like That | 1978 | Quincy Jones, Ashford & Simpson, Chaka Khan |
The Dude | 1981 | Quincy Jones, James Ingram |
Pop Genius: Quincy Jones’ Catchy Songs
Song Title | Year Released | Artist |
---|---|---|
The Boy from New York City | 1981 | Manhattan Transfer |
Ai No Corrida | 1981 | Quincy Jones |
Stuff Like That | 1978 | Quincy Jones |
R&B Grooves: Quincy Jones’ Soulful Creations
Song Title | Year Released | Artist |
---|---|---|
Everything Must Change | 1974 | Quincy Jones |
Just Once | 1981 | Quincy Jones |
The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite) | 1989 | Quincy Jones |
International Hits: Quincy Jones Goes Global
Song Title | Year Released | Country |
---|---|---|
Soul Bossa Nova | 1962 | United States |
Setembro (Brazilian Wedding Song) | 1989 | Global |
Back on the Block | 1989 | United States |
Musical Collaborators: Quincy Jones’ Influence
Collaborator | Project | Year |
---|---|---|
Michael Jackson | Thriller | 1982 |
Lionel Richie | We Are the World | 1985 |
Frank Sinatra | L.A. Is My Lady | 1984 |
In the realm of music, Quincy Jones has left an indelible mark with his extraordinary compositions. From his chart-topping hits like “Thriller” and “We Are the World” to his soulful R&B creations such as “Just Once” and “The Secret Garden,” Jones’ versatility knows no bounds. Additionally, he has made significant contributions to the jazz genre with timeless classics like “Stormy Weather” and “Soul Bossa Nova.” Through numerous collaborations and musical influences, Quincy Jones has shaped the landscape of popular music and continues to inspire generations of artists.
Songs Quincy Jones Wrote – Frequently Asked Questions
What are some iconic songs written by Quincy Jones?
Some iconic songs written by Quincy Jones include “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, “The Dude” by Quincy Jones himself, “We Are The World” by USA for Africa, and “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson.
Did Quincy Jones write any songs for Frank Sinatra?
Yes, Quincy Jones wrote several songs for Frank Sinatra, such as “Fly Me to the Moon,” “The Best is Yet to Come,” and “It Was a Very Good Year.”
What genre of music does Quincy Jones typically write?
Quincy Jones is known for his versatility, but he has worked primarily in the genres of pop, R&B, soul, and jazz.
Can you name some songs written by Quincy Jones for movies?
Some notable songs written by Quincy Jones for movies include “The Color Purple” theme song, “In the Heat of the Night” theme song, and “Ironside” theme song.
Did Quincy Jones write any songs for other artists besides Michael Jackson?
Yes, Quincy Jones has written songs for various artists including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, George Benson, and Ella Fitzgerald, among others.
Has Quincy Jones won any Grammy Awards for his songwriting?
Yes, Quincy Jones has won multiple Grammy Awards for his songwriting. He has received awards for “Best Arrangement on an Instrumental” and “Album of the Year,” among others.
Are there any songs written by Quincy Jones that became global hits?
Yes, many songs written by Quincy Jones have become global hits. For example, “We Are The World” reached number one in multiple countries and became one of the best-selling singles of all time.
What is the most successful song written by Quincy Jones?
One of the most successful songs written by Quincy Jones is “Thriller” by Michael Jackson, which became one of the best-selling singles of all time and had a significant impact on popular music.
How many songs has Quincy Jones written in his career?
Quincy Jones has written a vast number of songs in his career, and the exact count is difficult to determine. However, it is estimated to be in the hundreds, if not thousands.
Has Quincy Jones ever collaborated with other songwriters?
Yes, Quincy Jones has collaborated with numerous songwriters throughout his career. Some notable collaborations include working with Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Rod Temperton on various projects.