Remembering Michael
For some strange reason, I have a history of meeting young performers when they reach age 12. There was Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Tevin Campbell, and, of course, Michael Jackson. In 1978 Sidney Lumet pulled me kicking and screaming into doing the music for The Wiz, starring Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael as the Scarecrow. Michael dived into the filming, learning not only his lines but everyone else’s. There was only one problem: there’s a scene where the Scarecrow starts pulling proverbs from his stuffing and talking about Socrates. Michael kept saying “So-crates.” It was really interesting to watch; either because of his age or his fame, no one wanted to correct him. After about the third time, I pulled Michael aside and told him the correct pronunciation. He looked at me with the big, wide eyes of a child opening a present under the Christmas tree and said, “Really?” It was at that moment that I said, “Michael, I’d like to produce your solo album.” It was that wonderment I saw in his eyes that locked me in, the idea that we could go into unexplored territory, a place that, as a jazz musician, gave me goosebumps.
Michael was so shy, he’d sit down and sing behind the couch with his back to me while I sat with my hands over my eyes—and the lights off. We tried all kinds of tricks to help with his artistic growth, like dropping keys just a minor third to give him flexibility and a more mature range, and adding more than a few tempo changes. I also tried to steer him to songs with more depth, some of them about real relationships—we weren’t going to make it with ballads to rodents. Seth Riggs, a leading vocal coach, gave him vigorous warm-up exercises to expand his top and bottom range—which I desperately needed to get the vocal drama going. We approached that record like we were going into battle. Off the Wall would sell 10 million copies, but anyone who tells you that they knew it was going to be a big hit is an out-and-out liar. We had no idea it was going to be as successful as it was, but we were thrilled. Michael had moved from the realm of bubblegum pop and planted his flag squarely in the heart of the musical pulse of the ’80s.
From then on, I called Michael “my little brother,” and like the world, I was devastated at the news that he had suddenly passed away. How could that be? This wonderful artist who commanded the stage with catlike grace, shattered recording-industry records, and broke down cultural boundaries around the world, and yet remained the gentlest of souls. He was a different kind of entertainer. He’d work for hours, perfecting every lick, gesture, and movement so that they came together precisely the way they were intended to. We achieved heights in the ’80s that I can humbly say may never be reached again, and reshaped the music business forever. How could Michael be gone? He was a part of my soul. -Q
Quincy what you & MJ and the rest of your team produced on those 3 albums, i can imagine you never knew the trajectory it was going to take at the time, nor the impact it was going to have on the industry, fans, the global reach & the legacy. Today we know it a whole lot better, and more so than that is how majestic and timeless it all is, truly legendary. As a fan i can’t even begin to thank you enough for bringing it to us – memories i’ve had and memories to come. MJ will live forever, an incredible talent and beautiful being who has gone too soon. Respect.
Q, o Brasil também chora MJ e agradece a todos vocês que o revelaram ao mundo. Nunca o esuqeceremos porque sua música vive e você, Q, é parte dela.
God bless you
Today’s memorial for Michael Jackson was truly a tear jerker…as much of the week has been whenever hearing Michael’s music. I remember watching the Grammy’s the night he won an
arm-full and was so excited everytime. I was tired and needed to go to bed but stayed up to watch and it was worth it.
Thank you for sharing this recent post. The most beautiful things to listen to is everyone’s personal, heart felt, experience with him. I love hearing and reading and watching each and every one of them. Every golden nugget about a golden artist, brings a smile.
Thank you,
blessings to you and his family,
Juanita
Quincy this was a great read, I’m suprised there aren’t dozens of comments here, I was just reading Wikipedia on songs Jackson released and saw your name alot, thank you for working with Jackson and helping him achieve a level that he couldn’t do by himself. I have great respect for both of you and the countless fans, Quincy, the only sad thing are people who believe Jackson was a bad person despite so many things that show he was someone good, he shall be missed.
Quincy, thanks for being a generous soul and taking the time to post here.
I would give anything for 15 minutes of having you speak to me about whatever came to your mind at the time. I would soak it up like a sponge. No pressure, though.
The soul comes and goes freely in heaven and the reality world.
Please produce music of the supremacy again in soul of Quincy taking a trip to heaven with Michael and Quincy of the reality world, and the sound is made with intention of God.
Dear Quincy Jones
I am a 15 year old boy from sweden who has been inspiered by a man that not only could sing and dans but who was abel to fill ouer hearts with love and hope a man who was so giving and helpfull that he could make a diference in the world and now he is gone but he will allways live on in ouer hearts and the things that he has done will never be forgoten. This man has inspiered me to do something with my life and that thing is to try to make this world a better plase and help every one who is in nee of help just like he did im not saing i whant to take his plase because there is no one how can do that or will do that but i whant to keep on doing what tis man did. I can never sing or dans like he did but i could allways try so what i ask of you Quincy is to reply to this message from a boy who whants to make this world a better plase and help me make it please reply to me on mi email addres. parden my english.
R.I.P Michael jackson
Quincy-
I believe that what you shared with MJ was magical. However, I read something disturbing yesterday. It was an article claiming that you said MJ didn’t want to be black. The evidence; the lightening of his skin and the color of his children. Well I hope that isn’t true. I hope that you wouldn’t continue to lift him up on some days and tear him down on others. He was a great man and he will be missed and it is time that we just let him rest.
You and Michael created magic. I’m glad that this magic will forever be a part of my life. Thank you, Mr. Jones. Michael will be missed. Forever.
Thank you Quincy. You and Michael’s music changed my life.
Such a blessed meeting!
Thank you Quincy, for your music and sensibility.
Greetings from Brazil
(we are all sad for Michael)
Quincy, were you at the ceremony? If no, why not, if so, why didn’t you speak. You were solely responsible for Michael’s highest times….you should have said something.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful stories and especially your feelings with all of us during this difficult time. All the world is mourning the loss of Michael Jackson but no one can really know what you and the people closest to him are going through. It is so true that when we lose our loved ones we lose a part of ourselves leaving us with nothing but our memories of them. But then that is what life is all about…making memories. All we can do now is to cherish those special moments with Michael and thank our creator for sharing such an extraordinary individual with us if only for a short time. We will all go on but it will never be the same without him. Peace.
Dear Quiny Jones,
thanks so much for sharing that story with all of us. It means a lot to me.
When “Off the wall” came out, I was 14 years old and when “Thriller” came out, I had my first walkman and was running around for weeks with this walkman listening only to that one album again and again and never get bored about it. Why? Because it is open music.
Ony of my favourite singers, Dianne Reeves once called it: “Music without boundaries.” People always want and love to categorize things, yes, even music. For me music is a universal thing. I love music without boundaries which units many different styles at one place. That is the reason to me why “Off the wall” and “Thriller” units so many people from so many different cultures from all around the world in one place together.
After my youth I searched for this kind of music again and again and did not found it often. I must say: The only music where such magic is still possible is jazzmusic.
I know – and sorry if I need that long – this is not about me – this is only about Michael Jackson. But I want to let you know that these two albums had such a big impact and meaning in my life – still have.
Michael Jackson is not here anymore – for me he will live still forward in this music forever.
Thank you, Quincy Jones, from the deep bottom of my heart for making all of this magic with Michael Jackson possible. This music changed my life and will always have a big part in my heart – unforgettable and forever.
RIP Michael Jackson
Yeah… you’re right, sir.
Michael J. Jackson could indeed make music and had a unique and unusual tallent.
I am almost 28 years old, and my first song that I fell in love with was Billie Jean. It was a mixtape that my mom had recorded from a Danish Radio program that was back in ‘86. I must have listened to that tape a thousand times. The beat, the voice was incredible and to disgover the dance and the moves later on just made it even more magical listening to the voice of Michal J. Jackson, and then later on the rest of his wonderful and outstanding music, not to mention his incredible dance preformance and way of putting himself in the spolight.
Truely, a wonderful man and artist.
Thank you boy, Michal J. Jackson and Quincy Jones, for the wonderful music the two of you has blessed this world with over no less than 3 decaded.
Rest in peace Michal J. Jackson. You may have gone to a better place – where you no longer have to listen to people and their faulty accusations of this and that – but your music is thankfully still here with us, and so is the memories of all the good, the love, the joy and the life that you brought into this world, into the hearts of all those who love your music and what you have done with it.
R.I.P Michal J. Jackson. WE LOVE YOU!!!
Michael Forever, Quincy(Q) too!
DEAR Quincy Jones – you are the power of the music. Michael created a dreams for us; of course, many musics and smiles for our lifes.
I believe that Michael is very fine with GOOD and making more wonderful musics.
Quincy Jones, I just waant say – Ilove you SO MUCH and I´d like to know you one day. It´s my desire!
Thanks for while.
He was hijacked by crooks .They first took is innocent story he told them about his father abuse and then twisted it in his mind with it . They made him hate his family and then they introduced him to color . He wanted to be white . They bleached his skin to white . While they was doing that they put him into drugs. Which impaired his judgment . Then they played with his mind because he wanted children . Lady married him .Both Dr and nurse was involved into it to make there children rich. They drugged him and hooked up him on it, where he could not come back . They kept real friends and family away so no body understood game . They disfigured him and made him monster in public eye . He was not able to understand there game .
If it was not Michael Jackson father .who did ,what he did .There will be no Michael Jackson and Jackson family . Although he might have disciplined them .and what ever he was doing . He knew their talent and helped them to bring it out . No matter how he was living his life. It has nothing to do with his children .He was doing his fatherly job extra ordinary way. He was always discredited for it .Instead of appreciating it .They disgraced him . If Micheal had kept his father close .This will not happened to him .He would not allow it . But he did not .He trusted others.there is proverb .when family will kill u they will put body in shade to protect it from burning from heat and when other kills u they will put it in heat . One should trust own family see miner things in details and resolve it instead of going to far. I am not writing I want to be popular or I am some big shot. I am seeing unseen and hoping such mishap will never happen again . It can be prevented.
Dear Q!
Thanks so much for speak many beautiful words about Michael.
I very sad about Michael dead and many of course, too.
Assim como aqui no Brasil; muitas pessoas choram e sofrem pela morte do Michael Jackson – o fato de perdermos um SER tão maravilhoso e preocupado com os menos favorecidos. Um músico sensível, terno, afetuoso que tinha em mente a cura da FOME, do ABANDONO, da DOENÇA e dos sofridos Africanos, ou seja, uma melhor vida para a humanidade.
Thanks por escrever tão lindas palavras de sua convivência com o Michael e por ter feito tantas maravilhas junto ao nosso Michael.
Thank you,
blessings to you and his family,
Thank your Q and Michael.
Somos eternamente gratos pela música que Michael nos deixou. ANd you Q is part of this music, too.
The Michael never be esquecido por nós(for us). The Brasil cry and is crying for Michael.
Q, tnanks for remenber Michael here.
Annamaria – Brasil
I’ve got nothing but nothing but respect for you Mr Quincy Jones but you’re just dead wrong about michaels claim of having a skin disease being “bullshit!” He did have a disease that attacked the pigment of his skin and turned him white. The original reason for the white glove was apparently because the disease first manifested on the poor guys right hand.
Other than that, i think what you and michael did will live for ever.
Dear Quincy,
Thank you for taking the time to write this reflection that gives us a knowledge of Michael’s character and qualities. Youth is such a precious period where every young person is waiting for someone to harness their potential and walk with them, and I salute you for championing him. I admire your ability to appreciate the rawness and authenticity he had as a young man. You had the power and vision to bring Michael’s potential to fruition and his success is your success. I salute you as a mentor figure and have learnt a lot from you.
Thank you also for making a connection to the world. Your words are precious.
Your memories of him were not known to the outside world, but thank you for sharing this because we need to talk about him, we need to process this and remember him in a just way. Good memories must be shared. May God bless you as you find comfort for your loss.
Dear Quincy, Remember when we were cruising with Bobby in my beat up old car with a coconut stuck under the axel. And you were telling us about Michael and how he was an angel. Bobby was an angel too. I want to be part of the Quincy club and bring in our part in the Pacific to contribute to the children. Do you still have your painting of you and Bobby talking story on the sacred grounds? Baby I am thinking hard about you. love Dorothy
Dear Quincy Jones
Since 1985, when i stumbled into my first Miles Davis Concert here in Switzerland Montreux, my life has changed forever and I have started to improvise and playing music. You are like Miles, the representant of almost a whole century of musical development. Only a few people are able to realise the massiv impact you had and still have on the devolepment of contemporary music in the last century, today and tomorrow. As Miles, you have changed the minds and hearts AND the MUSIC on this planet FOREVER !!! Michael Jackson would be quite unknown, if he hadn’t the chance and the incredible luck to work with you. You made his massiv career possible in the first place. I am just learning to master my mixes, and I just have to listen to “Off The Wall” to hear, what a genious like you with incredible skills, talent and experience, can do when writing, mastering and recording music. This album is 30 (!!!) years old, but still sounds more fresh and vivid, than todays productions !!! You set the standard for qualitiy for all times. How did you create that incredible sound and those incredible rhythms on “Off the Wall”? I have the highest respect and admiration for you and your work and I just have started a trip to explore your work. (So I have something to do till the end of my days…)
You, Miles and of course Michael in his own way: you are the monuments of music history. You dear Quincy will be known for the next centuries, like we know Bach and Mozart today…
All the best from Switzerland…
Yeah, yeah, yeah, and you were complaining that Michael didn’t pay you enough through the eighties just a day after the man’s death.
Your words mean nothing now, you are a horrid individual with an obvious agenda.
Michael would’ve NEVER spoken of you with such slanderous undertones or accused you of hating your race. How dare you try to belittle his legacy on national television immediately following his death.
Plus, you didn’t even go to pay your respects. Men like you have no respect, you should learn to step down.
Too bad you can’t be stripped of your past, present and future ‘Thriller’ royalties–then you can really cry about money.
Have admired your work for a long time Quincy.Its nice to hear the words of someone who worked with Michael Jackson and respected and loved him as a brother.God bless u
Joe Lahart
Q, I have to admit something to you. I absolutely hated MJ growing up… mainly because everyone around me loved him. All I heard was how awesome “Off the Wall” was, or if I had seen the Thriller video yet. Blah, blah, blah – yeah, WHATEVER! I was one of those teenagers that just hated something because everyone else like/loved it.
As an adult, I came to realize what works of art you and MJ worked on. Thriller is an absolute masterpiece, and I cannot believe I ignored it, along with the other two albums. Chalk it up to being a teenager, and rather ignorant!
Q, the depth of the loss you feel cannot be imagined. I am also shocked and saddened. However, I have comfort in the fact that Michael’s beautiful spirit is free and unbound. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts.
Oh, by the way, I did like We Are The World – mainly because of Huey Lewis and Lionel Richie!
Quincy,
What an impact you’ve made with MJ. My life has been touched because of the love and creativity that was captured through your collaboration with Michael. I know Michael’s soul was truly one of a kind. To see an angel suffer so much from success and self destruction, but at the same time, give unselfishly to children in need and poverty, and time and time again, devote his life to making the world a better place… it’s beyond bitter sweet. It’s legendary. I have never been so affected by a public figure’s death. I still feel this is all too surreal. I pray your souls reunite again and thank you so much for believing in Michael.
With Love,
Sarah
Mr Jones,
I was extremely disappointed and disturbed by the comments you made about Michael Jackson and his skin color right after his death. Although I don’t know any of you personally, and there is nothing wrong with you stating your own opinion, and you might be right too. But, I would think that refraining from negative comments right after a person’s death would be the least that one can do for those that are mourning.
I don’t remember seeing MJ receiving an award without thanking you with great emotion, even after you weren’t producing. You really must have meant a great deal to him and if he knew the comments that you made of him after his death he would be heartbroken, whether what you stated was true or not. I wish you would of stood by him. I just pray that he had a true friend and mentor in you.
My first MJ album was the 2001 invincible album and I bought it out of curiousity. I knew his name but never heard of his music until then. I fell in love instantly and couldn’t understand why it wasn’t a major hit until now. It seems to me that nobody was supporting him in his last years. They weren’t introducing his music to the next generation at all. I desperately hope that you were not one of those people that walked away from him. And I hope you will be a part in bringing his unreleased material to life and introducing it to the future generation. I really would like to see you and him do magic together! Thank you and god bless.
Just like the World we are shocked. How in godsname Michael is death so quick.
Why did they keep him alive white the machines or something. Because I believe he is murdered. Yes,. someone killed him.We all love M.J. and we do not believe that he is gone. I’m so sorry for Michael. Live was everything for this man. He got a real problem whit drugs but is that the reason. No,…! Lets pray for his children and family. Michael Jackson was the best!
I hope someone will read and write me to talk about him. oomsis@live.nl
Thank you for believing in him,so he shared his songs with us.
It was a great singer,dancer and person.
Jessica,from the Netherlands.
Mr Jones, I’m so sorry for the loss of Michael Jackson and understand how much he means to you professionally and personally. My prayers are with you as well as Michael’s family.
We all feel a sense of loss. We all were touched by the magic of this truly exceptional entertainer and person.
We still have all those memories, of which the music that you produced with Michael Jackson were an important part, and that’s wonderful.
God bless,
Eleanor
Dear Quincy,
words can’t describe the sadness for the lost of our beloved Michael. I’ve been a Michael fan since when I was 11 years old and that time was the “Bad” era. I just wanted to share this emotion with you, since you and Michael made history. The incredible music you created togheter will live forever.
Rest in peace Michael, you are with God now; nobody can’t hurt you anymore. We’ll miss you. Love. Paola
Really sweet, Quincie but in such contradiction to your slamming interview on a dead man. The interview where you said MJ was a sellout pretty much because of his lightened color and his children. I’m not sure what authority you would have in saying what Michael’s life was like or why you would believe that you have information Michael himself, his doctors and family wouldn’t have, namely that he did indeed suffer with vitilago, lupus and other physically and emotionally painful conditions. As for his children, what would you know of the circumstances there beside what is obvious to the rest of us–his kids loved him. It’s all very strange in light of what the late great Nina Simone once said about your influence on Jackson. She said she didn’t care about anyone more in the world than Jackson because of his incredible artistry. She blamed you for any signs of self-hatred and I guess she had a point. You of all people shouldn’t be attacking anyone’s pride in their black skin. Honestly. I won’t even elaborate but your aesthetic choices are what they are, god bless you, just don’t throw stones.
Great Memories you have with such a great Man!
You two truely made history together that cannot and will not be matched.
Prayers to you and the Jackson Family…We all loved him BUT he loved us MORE
(as he always told fans’)
<3 ACA
Dear mr jones
My name is sammy and im 17 years old iv loved Michael all my life i think you’r a great man i love you u for doin all this work with Michael you’r a legend two in my eyes Gog bless you mr jones .
I cnt belive his gone bt he was a legend and my hero and i feel your pain and everyone else’s My heart is with you and the Jackson family Plz can tell you give my love 2 the Jackson family because im 2 fare away 2 do it …. Michael was a great man he will live on in our hearts nw and forever on I feel your pain GOD BLESS YOU … LOVE YOU MICHAEL …. and mr jones you are a legend love you xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
I mean that with all my heart xxx
Dear Quincy,
http://www.myspace.com/geesrnb
Thank you for sharing this post. The most beautiful things come from heart. I know that Montreux take you much energy too but if you go on my website you can to see my homage to your lil brother, “MJ between Earth and Heaven” in my last new galery, I’m painter..and more.. but mother too and I can not resist to introduce my son because I’m Fan
Thank you for all from the bottom of my heart, I hope my bad English will give you a smile in the night.
blessings to you and yours..
in love, light and service
MarianneGB
When Thriller was released in December 1982 I was 12..I remember hearing Michael’s voice the first time in 1979 I think I was almost 9. The song was called Don’t stop you get enough and soon I was listening to off the wall even though it was not a “kids” record I liked it.. That is a vivid memory for me. I feel like I’ve lost another family member you know he was not someone I’d met of course but his music has been part of my life for 30 years. I remember watching the Billie Jean and Beat it videos being absolutely mesmerized my mom teased me so much and said I’ve never seen you like this before..It was true no one captured my attention like that before. Later on I saw the thriller video which really frightened me but at the same time I could’nt stop watching it. I also went to the victory tour in July 1984 and three months later I had a michael birthday cake for my 14th birthday it really was the best part of my young teenage years. As time went on I continued to listen to his music and watched every video. That won’t change ever. I will always cherish those memories and keep listening because to this day I can’t get enough of his voice as it is pure bliss to hear such a COMMANDING voice. I commend you Quincy Jones for producing such unbelievable awesome music with him. What a brilliant musician you are. I have heard some your other works and wish you all the best in the future…RIP Michael Jackson..
Mr Jones,
I recently bought Thriller. What a great album. While groing up in the 80’s we did not have a lot of money to buy records so at 35 I finally bought it – the biggest album of all time and what a treat. Since Michael’s death it has been a nice experience to listen to his great music again and to hear the insite from the interviews of yourself and R Temperton has been fantastic. I am sorry for the loss of your “Little Brother”, but thank you for the work that you two did and that now lives on. We all will treasure it always.
Mr. Jones, I hope Michael visits you in your dreams. In fact, I’m positive that he has already visited those closest to him in this way. We love you Mike, you made the world a better place.
Cher Quincy JONES,
Je tenais à vous remercier avant tout pour l´immense travail que vous avez pu réaliser auprès de Michael. Nous n´oublierons jamais toutes ces magnifiques chansons… elles resteront gravées à tout jamais dans nos coeurs. Michael nous manque infiniment… terriblement je dirai!!! Une partie de mon coeur est auprès de lui. Nul autre sera comme lui car il est UNIQUE et INNIMITABLE!!!.
Mr. Jones, I’ve been horrified by his death, as I still cry and feel sadness and immense anger. He’s gone too soon because he wasn’t helped or asked for help. So senseless!!! His beautiful kids are without his tender love to raise them.
Thank you for all you’ve done for him and the world.
I had dreamed of marrying him one day, during my teen years and now my 14 year old daughter is obsessed with him. She has a God given voice and dreams of parading the same stages that Michael did. She took my CD’s from me and listens to him all hours of the day. She vows to make him proud and calls him “her inspiration” to continue to sing.
Another generation of loving fans have been born.
Hi,
I am a real fan of the wonderful Thriller Album
Since the sad passing of Michael Jackson, I have purchased the Special Edition of Thriller (Released in 2001) and listened to your and Rod Temperton’s interviews on this album.
These interviews are tremendous.
I was wondering if Quincy would be able to send me a letter on his letter headed paper and perhaps contain a couple of paragraphs which contain his special memories of working with Michael Jackson on the project and what the album (music and success) had meant to him as a producer.
If possible for him to sign it for me as this would be most special.
Thanks for producing one of the best albums ever.
My address is:
3 Blairatholl Crescent
Newton Mearns
Glasgow
G77 5UH
Scotland
United Kingdom
Many Thanks,
Edward Grady
Hello Mr. Jones, Michael was really a great singer, I love him too. I am only 14 years and I love writing songs, my friends say that my voice is incredible, but my mother never believed in me, so never had chance to record anything unfortunately, I would love if you could see my song one day. Well, thanks for attention, and thanks to Michael for doing what he done and for being what he was! Hope see you one day..
Hello Quincy Jones,
I have just purchased “The Complete Quincy Jones My Journey & Passions”.
It is a great book. I have enjoyed every single page. This book I will cherish. It has been my dream to sing every since I was a little girl. I was blessed with a voice that can go in many ranges. I love music and this world is blessed with such a prescious jewel as yourself. Thank you for sharing yourself with me and the world. May God continue to bless you in anything and everything you put your mind and hands to do.
Ethel
ethelds@sbcglobal.net
Hello, Quincy,
I love knowing that you and Michael had the chance to work together and create such brilliant, timeless masterpieces that will live on for many more generations to come…I just purchased “The Essential Michael Jackson” CD compilation and can’t stop listening to it…I am curious how it is that you and Michael limited your professional involvement since the two of you could create such magic together. I am fascinated with how his life unfolded and the choices that he made, including the grandoise lifestyle he had. Everything related to Michael seems to be “bigger than life” itself. I can’t seem to fathom that his life was cut so short. Thank you for sharing so much candor with those of us who love Michael’s music–and of course, yours, too–and be well!!
Dear Mr Jones,
I thank you for producing Off the wall and Thriller. I Listened to Back on the Block and I think you did a great album. When you and Michael finished your collaboration, his new albums weren’t really beautiful. I don’t know the reasons of your choices, and I would like to know why it happened. You are a genius, you had a long career. The work with Michael was only a short part of what you created with your amazing talent. Michael maybe after Bad didn’t recognize his debth he had with you. Most of his latest albums were nothing special.
He’s not a genius in singing, playing and composing and you know better than me. But he had a talent. What I’m really asking to you is to organize a maybe symbolic tribute to Michael, far from his family. He had mental problems, was self destructive in a certain way, but you know that his life has been deeply sad. You have been for him more than a father. And I think you know how many of us feel now, realizing that he wasn’t a saint but also he wasn’t a monster, a zombie or a scarecrow. He was a man, a person. Thanks for everything you gave us with and Without Michael and please, think about the possibility of, even small but real tribute. Helene
Quincy, as a longtime devoted fan of Michael’s, I wanted to sincerily thank you for working with him, and for working so hard towards his own dreams of musical greatness. Without you, Michael’s story would be a different one. I feel that he was going to do great things, no matter what the obstacles, because he was determined – but you brought out pure magic from him, and you helped him make his dreams a reality. I loved the night when the Thriller album had won 8 Grammy awards, and Michael seemed underwhelmed by the magnitude of what had just happened. You picked him up and hugged him in pure joy, and carried him off stage… bringing a beautiful, shining smile to his face. His smiles made his whole glow. Could he have ever known how tremendously beautiful he was?
Reading your account of the first days of working in the studio with Michael, I thought it was sweet and very Michael-like for him to be so very shy. It is interesting that he should be painfully shy and yet desiring to go out and perform on stage. In interviews, his shyness was usually very evident. Sometimes it was difficult to watch him go through it, as he seemed to be very uncomfortable in those situations.
I think Michael was tortured by the world, just as he was loved and nurtured by the world. Although millions of people adored him, the media treated him like he was barely human, and many people developed horribly views about Michael. The Thriller album made him the biggest star on Earth – and people wanted to read or watch anything they could about him. This gave rise to the rumours which became the twisted image constructed by the media. However, Michael continued to make magic. The night before he died, he was making magic on stage in LA. He never stopped, never rested on his laurels. For 45 years, he practiced his art and died as a master of his chosen field.
Thank you, Quincy, for helping Michael become an adult solo artist. Thank you for three amazing albums. Thank you for helping make his dreams come true. Thank you for being a great friend to him.
Melissa
I still can’t believe he’s gone; Michael we’re missing you so bad…world’s life is a tad more empty now, rest in peace brother.
I used to be a huge admirer of yours, Quincy Jones. You have probably had some involvement in most of the records in my collection, both before and since the phenomenon that was ‘Thriller’.
However, I also read your interview with ‘Details’ magazine and felt it was insulting to Michael’s memory. Michael’s vitiligo was well documented and a disease he coped with as best he could. If Michael’s word was not enough for you, you need only refer to the court transcripts of his trial in which his dermatologist, Dr Arnold Klein, confirmed UNDER OATH that MJ was a sufferer of this disease.
I also think you are hypocritical to state that ‘Michael did not want to be white. Do you see his kids?’ Well, Quincy Jones, we have all seen your WIVES, all of whom were WHITE, and there’re some of us who’d argue that you betrayed your race through the personal choices you made throughout your life. Yes, you did have relationships with black women but none of them, apparently, deserved the dignity or committment of marriage.
I’ve read your autobiography ‘Q’ and you also make a veiled insult towards Michael by alluding to him being a ‘diva’. You come across as bitter and jealous and even fail to name Michael Jackson in the ‘acknowledgments’ at the end of the book. Unforgivable considering your collaborations with Michael Jackson are VASTLY responsible for your own success.
So yes, nice ‘tribute’ but, just as you don’t believe MJ had vitiligo, I don’t believe your words either. Especially as you didn’t even turn up at the memorial service. If MJ was ‘your little brother’ then you’ve betrayed him in the worse way possible.
None of us, I mean, NONE of us will ever achieve the level of success and devotion Michael Jackson achieved in his lifetime. So, get over yourself and, instead of belittling yourself with snide remarks about MJ, try to genuinely applaud his greatness.
Infact, follow this link to read about an English woman with vitiligo.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/08/12/black-to-white-115875-21590761/
It’s never too late to educate yourself – or apologise.
Dear Quincy,
Thank you for allowing to us to share our thoughts on the King of Pop.
My heart is broken and distressed, when I heard that Michael past away I felt like I lost a part of me. Michael was an inspiration; he inspired me to be kind, loving, and generous to everyone no matter what your status is. This entertainer of nature reaches out to many children around the world. He allows them to dream and enjoy life. He brought joy, life and hope to less fortunate children by his music, attitude, wealth, and commitment to make the world a better place. This King of Pop is a tremendous innovator, creator in music, dance, and fashion industry. Through his music barrier were broken and made it possible for present and future black artist to be heard on MTV.
Michael I love you and wish I had a chance to be your non-celebrity friend. I love your uniqueness and the way you care so much for others. Thank you for sharing your talent with the world and you will forever live in our heart sweet Michael because you pour out your heart and gave us all. For that I thank you, R.I.P
My all time favorite quote from Micheal is “What’s most important is invisible to the eyes.”
Michel once said in the interview with ebony something that really touches my heart.
“I know the creator will go, but his work survives, that is why to escape death I attempt to bind my soul to my work.”
Which you really did Michael.
If I had a chance to have a conversation with Michael it would be something like this:
Daphnee: Hey Michaelllll..….you rock my world you know you did…..papapa papa
Pa pa………. Heee heee……………I’m starting with the man in the mirror , I’m asking him to change his way…… diiiii….dada… pa pa papapa…….if you want to make the world a better place take a look at yourself and make change….Hoooooo….Hooooooo…….hooooo
Michael: HAHAHAH…….HAhahaaaaa….HAHAHAHA….
Daphnee: HAHAHAAA……these are just some of the main song that I cannot get enough of
Michael: Thank you; it’s a gift from God.
Daphnee: How are your beautiful children’s? I call them Junior Michael….lol
Michael: lol….. They are well, they are my life. I love them so much.
Daphnee: So sweet.
Daphnee: I was searching for a name for you because king of pop is just not enough to describe your amazing talent.
Michael: Haaa……haha…haaaa………
Daphnee: And to my surprise while I was watching an interview you had with Oprah you said exactly the name I was looking for. You describe yourself as “Entertainer of nature” which no doubt you really are.
Michael: That’s my work and I do it with all my heart, it just comes naturally
Daphnee: You got to show me how to moonwalk Mike….lol….
Michael: Hahaaa…..sure anytime,
Daphnee: Michael you once said something that really shows a good example of father and son relationship. You said that ; yes the Jackson five had talent but your father Joe was the one who help the Jackson five cultivate that amazing talent.
That is so deep considering the ups and down, I strongly believe that family is so important no matter what happened in the past.
Michael: I have a lot of respect for this man, he is a genius and very courageous.
Daphnee: I said to myself there are 3 things I would like to share with you if ever I got a chance to meet you.
Michael: I guess this is your time Daphnee lets here them.
Daphnee: The first thing I want to say is that for every good thing there is always an opposition. Let’s start with Jesus, he just want it people to live a life of righteousness, Martin Luther King; all he wanted was just for every body to stop focusing on the color and start accepting each others differences. Same for Malcolm X, as for Rosa Park she just wanted everybody to be able to sit where ever they feel comfortable no matter what your race is. All these individual received hates instead of love, but at the end they made it, they succeeded.
So you Michael you are devoting your time helping around the world, to heal the world of course many will rise up against you. But one thing for sure, you are making a positive impact in the world, you are a rare kind, not many entertainer pour out their heart to others, so don’t stop doing what you do best.
Michael: Thank you for your understanding, that’s what I aim for, it’s to bring joy, love, and happiness in this world.
Daphnee: Second main thing I wanted to share with you Michael is that whatever you went through such as having your childhood stolen, skin diseases, loneliness, any other painful experience in your life. There is a reason for it; your attitude toward it determined the outcome of those situations. Now you know what it feels like, you are able to help somebody that is going through those hard times. These experiences made you more compassionate, caring, loving, humble, and sensitive towards others.
How could someone truly understand somebody who has skin diseases if that person never had any problem with their skin? Or How could someone truly feel what a person diagnosed with cancer is going through if they never had cancer? Do you see were I’m coming from Mike?
Michael: Absolutely Rose, I really believe that. So what’s the last thing you wanted to share with me?
Daphnee: You are a true inspiration, so humble, sincere and kind…… Just keep up with that great attitude of yours, because I don’t see that everyday for an entertainer, known around the world and still have this soft, caring, attitude. Stay bless.
Dear Mister Jones,
I thank you for what you did in your career. I think that the tragic loss of Michael Jackson is spreading to the young generations, through his and your music, a great interest to other black singers who gave so great gifts to the humanity: Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Sammy Davis Jr.,James Brown, John Lee Hooker, Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Dionne Warwick, Lionel Richie,The Commodores, Prince,Luther Vandross, Tammy Terrel,etc. Many of them are artist bigger than Michael, but less known to the young generations. Through Michael many teenagers are discovering even Diana Ross. So, please, I’m asking for him a real tribute far from his family that doesn’t deserve a son like him. I know that Michael is’nt a saint, but you once said that he had a soul. Please, remember his soul in a concert tribute to him. Remember how real and touching have been Brooke Shields’s words for MIchael. Thanks. I’m listening to Kind of blue. Miles Davis is a god.
Mr. Jones,
I’ve seen you on the TV interviews from a certain Chinese(Shanghai)TV stations. I know you’d be here in Shanghai in Oct. I wish you all the best in China.
Thanks for making MJ a legend of all time,and you really are a kind man. Mr. Jones…
May God be with you.
There was a message from saint’Michael Jackson of heaven by my mind circuit. The death is not fear. It is a flare.
thanks.
Just wanted to say that I heard that you did attend Michaels funeral after all and I am glad that you did. It feels unreal that he is gone and it is so hard to accept but I think he would have wanted you to be there.
Hi Quincy, my name is Rosane and I’m brazilian. I read a article taht you said that Michael wasn’t so talented and I was very, very sad with you!!! Michael will still go on the best in all the woarld and you know that. I just don’t know why you did a comentary so stupid about him. He was a genius and had the pleasure to work with him. I know that you are a great professional, but cause Michael you is Quincy Jones of Thriller. Who are Quincy Jone??? It’s that one who made Thriller with Michael. Who is Michael Jackson??? He is the best singer, dancer, composer and all the world, he is a complet performer, he is alegend. You have to say: God, thank you for leave work with MJ. I become better after that.
P.S. Sorry for my bad english. Thin about that. God bless you.
MR QJ,
I read his statements on “EL PAIS” ABOUT MICHAEL JACKSON AND RESPECT THE PICTURES OF OPENING OF THE SITE, THE BEH PLEASE to change because ‘You have been very offensive towards her.
WHY ‘DID NOT CERTAIN STATEMENTS MADE WHEN MICHAEL WAS ALIVE?
P.S. Sorry for my english, I’m italian women.
Mr Jones, I also read your statements on “El Pais” and I KNOW that what you said is not TRUE! Do yuo really think that he wasn’t afflicted with vitiligo? I don’t think that you have never seen his face without make-up! He had red cheeks because of “lupus” and evident white large spots! Then, why didn’t you speak about that before Michael died so he could reply?
Otherwise the press doesn’t tell the truth…
Regards
Dear Mr. Jones, I hope that the Jackson estate will involve you in their decision to release new music from Michael Jackson. It would be helpful to have someone who is an industry friend and associate to determine which songs make sense to release/remix, etc. Thanks!
Tributes Trump Memorials
Evelyn Dove-Coleman
To my way of thinking, it is much better to give people their flowers while they live. That is why my vote every time will go to birthday parties, tributes, and roasts. At those events, the people being honored can hear the friends and family give testimonials. They can see the flowers and read the cards themselves. They get to know what people say about them publicly. They get to smile, cry, and laugh out loud.
As I experienced the intense and massive media coverage of Michael Jackson’s memorial, I kept asking the air, “How many people said these things to him while he lived?” I hope the answer is “all of these and more.” But then, he called himself a lonely man.
Memorials have a historic and traditional place. They help the family with the grief process. The ceremonies offer the bereaved opportunities to express how they felt about the dearly departed. But the honoree, in each and every instance, cannot be an active participant.
I am not proposing that our culture stop having memorial services. To the contrary, I simply suggest that we do more honoring people while they live. When someone is going through a life challenge, that is when they need to hear from their friends. When someone is spiraling along a difficult path, that is the time to offer a helping hand or counseling. When a person is lonely, telephone, visit, have lunch, go to a movie. Visit sick people so they know that their friends have not forgotten and forsaken them. If you cannot visit, send a note while stamps are still only forty-four cents.
In this age of universal internet and cellular communication, an old-fashioned letter through the regular mail is a rarity. But writing to someone to tell them how much they mean to you is a good way to give people tributes while they live. Tributes don’t always have to be expensive and fancy.
The group song presented during Michael Jackson’s memorial was called “Heal the World.” Let’s begin the healing by giving tributes to people we care about in small ways such as letters they can read, cards they can see, and flowers they can smell. You go first. Begin today doing what you would do if your friend died tomorrow.
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Evelyn Dove Coleman is an author and counselor with PathChoice, Inc., established in 1992.
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I have a song for Quincy Jones also. Ev (252) 527-3950
I will be back. I am speechless know.
Hello Mr. Jones,
I was just on Utube and I typed in Nancy Wilson’s name. I don’t know about you but I love this woman’s voice. I was wondering why haven’t you ever worked with her? This question came to mind because another person on Utube mentioned Miss. Wilson not getting the recognition she deserves from, they mentioned your name specifically, her peers. I want you to know that I think you’re one of the great artist of all time. Keep making great music!
K. Thompson- Wallace
Dear Mr. Jones,
Thank you so much for sharing the great bond with our King of Hearts – Michael jackson. I think he had very few true people around him and you are one of them. He loved you so much and he has said it so many times. THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR ALWAYS BEING THERE FOR MICHAEL IN TRUE SENCE because he was surrounded by selfish people also.
THANK U SIR & GOD BLESS YOU.
Manvi
QUINCY I AM DONT SPEAK INGLISH !I AM BRAZILIAN AND I WANT BE THE SUCESSOR THE MICHAEL JACKSON!!!
DO YOU WANT???
MY NUMBER IS:
0558491101029
I it’s amazing to hear so many of my own experances with developing artist, and how they corlate to the way you and Mike worked, Thanks for being so real.
Q, i can understand were you’re coming from. I feel just like you do, i just can beleive that he’s suddenly gone. I loved him all me life and he inspired me so much, Michael made me wise and smart at a young age. He made something else than music, he made magic. Music for me is magic, i love it because of Michael. And because of him and you, my biggest dream is to become a music producer. Michael taught me to beleive in music and explore it as hard as you can. For him there were no limits he could go as far as he wanted ( when it came to music). And he taught me that to. I actually think that music died when he died.
R.I.P Michael Jackson
/Salma Abdullahi Elmi
I’m sorry for the wrongs in my text, i was very uppset by his death and i was in a hurry!
/Salma Abdullahi Elmi
Thank you for Quincy jagged with the talent of Michael Jackson he did partre love of my life I will love him forever without a doubt the best singer the world has had