Legendary producer Quincy Jones has spoken about his history making partnership with Michael Jackson.
Quincy Jones is a living testament to the questing spirit in American music. The producer cut his teeth on jazz sessions, before writing material of his own. Already a hugely respected figure in the industry, the producer put his reputation on the line to work with a young Michael Jackson.
The partnership would result in three albums which would change the course of pop music. Amongst them lies ‘Thriller’ which is unlikely to be surpassed as the greatest selling album in chart history.
Speaking to The Guardian, Quincy Jones recalled his partnership with Michael Jackson. The pair split in the late 80s, with the producer eager for the singer to attempt to incorporate more hip hop elements.
“He said, ‘Quincy doesn’t understand the business any more. He doesn’t know that rap is dead.’ But it’s OK. It wasn’t so obvious then.”
Continuing, the producer explained that they remained friends until the end. “I was in London when he sold out the 10 concerts, and then sold out 40 more. He called me. He wanted to bring the kids over. But I was with Mohamed Al Fayed at his place. I said, ‘I’ll see you in Los Angeles.’ And that was the last time I talked to him” he said.
With Michael Jackson’s doctor currently involved in a court case, many have accused Dr Conrad Murray of being involved in the singer’s death. Quincy Jones, though, is unwilling to point the finger of blame.
“There was no way to know. There’s no way anybody could be blamed for what happened. Artists of that stature – they can do whatever they want. You’d have to monitor him 24-7 to know what’s going on.”
“I don’t know, man. It’s personal. So, so personal. There’s too many details. Unless you’re totally cognisant of everything, it’s hard to make a judgment.”
Quincy Jones is currently working on an expanded version of ‘Thriller’.
