Music Giant Quincy Jones Dies at 91

Legendary producer, musician, composer, and arranger Quincy Jones died on November 3 at his home in the Bel-Air section of Los Angeles. He was 91. 

Jones was a major figure in the 20th-century musical landscape and had a dizzying array of accomplishments during his amazing seven-decade career. The music Renaissance man worked with many of the recording industry’s biggest talents–including Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Dinah Washington, Aretha Franklin, Barbra Streisand, Duke Ellington, Ray Charles, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, and Celine Dion, among countless others. Jones had a gift for bringing out the best in the artists he produced, creating an open, collaborative studio environment where their talents could fully shine.

Among Jones’s numerous career highlights, his work on Michael Jackson’s Thriller (1982) is probably the most celebrated. The album was a cultural phenomenon and a massive game-changer. It has the distinction of being the biggest-selling album of all time. The collection landed multiple awards, including eight Grammys, and placed Jackson in the rare company of era-defining megastars like Elvis and the Beatles. In all, Jones produced three albums for Jackson. His impeccable production chops paired with Jackson’s extraordinary musical gifts was a world-beating combination. The first album the two collaborated on was Off The Wall (1979), an incredible collection of R&B, disco, and soul tracks. This album is particularly significant because it introduced the adult MJ to the world, now an assured and focused young artist who finally had some control over the creative direction of his music. The smash lead single from the collection “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” earned Jackson his first Grammy. Off The Wall was a huge critical and commercial success and opened the way for Thriller's total global domination. The third and final album the two worked on together was Bad (1987). To date, the collection has sold an estimated 45 million copies worldwide. It was also the first album to have five number-one singles in a row–a feat that has only been achieved once since then with Katy Perry’s album Teenage Dream (2010). 

Another big career highlight for Jones was when he produced and conducted the all-star charity single “We Are The World,” in which 45 prominent music artists participated. The single sold over 20 million copies worldwide and raised more than $60 million for famine relief in parts of Africa. The song won four Grammys, including Song of the Year and Record of the Year. 

Quincy and Michael working on the Off The Wall album

Jones also distinguished himself in the cinematic world through his impressive film scores. He scored nearly 40 films. Some of his film credits include In The Heat of the Night, The Color Purple, The Slender Thread, Cactus Flower, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, The Pawnbroker, Makenna’s Gold, and In Cold Blood. He was the musical supervisor for the 1978 film The Wiz. He also produced the film’s soundtrack. Jones met Michael Jackson on the set of The Wiz (Jackson played Scarecrow). The two hit it off, leading Jones to produce Off The Wall. Jones also composed the popular instrumental “Soul Bossa Nova,” famously played in the opening scene of the 1997 spy comedy Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery.

Additionally, Jones wrote the theme song for the hit ‘70s sitcom Sanford and Son. And he earned a Primetime Emmy Award for composing music for the landmark, record-breaking miniseries Roots (1977). He was also an executive producer for the highly popular ‘90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Also, Jones became the first African American to serve as the conductor and music director of the Academy Awards in 1971. And he was an executive producer for the 1996 Academy Awards. 

Jones received a slew of awards and accolades for his work as a musician, producer, arranger, and film composer–28 Grammys, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Tony Award, and seven Academy Award nominations. And he was a five-time NAACP Image Award winner. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1980. In 1995, he was honored with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Science. He was a Kennedy Center Honors recipient in 2001 and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2018, Jones became the first composer to be immortalized by having his hands and feet imprinted at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre (originally named Grauman's Chinese Theatre). Jones was set to receive an honorary Oscar at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences’ 15th Governors Awards on Sunday, November 17.

Jones was a lifelong social activist. He was a strong supporter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Operation Breadbasket, an effort designed to improve the economic conditions in black communities. He was also one of the founders of the Institute for Black American Music (IBAM), which organized events aimed at raising funds for the creation of a national library of African-American art and music. Additionally, he helped establish the Black Arts Festival in his hometown of Chicago. He also founded the Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation, a nonprofit organization created to break the cycle of poverty and violence by connecting disadvantaged children with education, technology, and culture and the roots and fruits of music. In 2001, the foundation built more than 100 homes in South Africa as part of its crusade to provide housing and support to communities in need. 

Jones worked closely with U2 frontman Bono for many years on a number of philanthropic endeavors. He became an honorary member of the board of directors of the Jazz Foundation of America in 2001. He was involved in the foundation's efforts to save the homes and lives of America’s elderly jazz and blues musicians, including Hurricane Katrina survivors. In 2004, Jones helped launch the We Are The Future (WAF) project. Its goal is to provide children in poverty-stricken and conflict-ridden areas a chance to live their childhoods in an environment where they can develop a sense of hope. Jones also supported many other civil rights and humanitarian organizations, including NAACP, GLAAD, amfAR, and the Maybach Foundation. 

Jones's contributions to music were immeasurable. He bridged musical generations, bringing together old-school and new-school artists in the studio. He stood at the intersection of jazz, R&B, pop, funk, soul and hip-hop. He didn’t look down on rap as some purist musicians from his generation did and was always willing to work with talented artists from that genre. Some of the major rap artists Jones worked with include Snoop Dogg, LL Cool J, Ice-T, and Queen Latifah. He remained open to new sounds, ideas, and musical trends. He appreciated and nurtured real talent, no matter the genre or where it came from. His massive impact on entertainment continues to resonate loudly and will do so in the years to come. 

" Skeletons" by Stevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder was still funkin’ as hard as ever in 1987, nearly three decades into his storied music career. That year, he dropped the ferocious funk jam “Skeletons.” This is one of the funkiest joints he released in the ‘80s. The monstrous groove features a powerful synth bass line and an angry beat. Stevie serves up a dynamic vocal performance that’s dripping with funky soul. The track also boasts infectious keyboards and a captivating chorus.

“Skeletons” is about bringing to light the lies and deceit of those who hide behind a facade of integrity, honor, and respectability, particularly corrupt politicians. Stevie released this song when the Iran-Contra hearings were in full swing, and he takes aim at all those involved. The song’s extended 12-inch version features short sound bites from Col. Oliver North and President Ronald Reagan, two major players in the Iran-Contra scandal. 

“Skeletons” was written and produced by Stevie. It was the lead single from his 21st studio album Characters, released in late 1987 on Motown. It topped Billboard’s R&B singles chart and peaked at #19 on the Billboard Hot 100. And it climbed to #20 on the US dance chart. The song earned Stevie two Grammy nominations–Best R&B Song and Best R&B Male Vocal Performance.

Here’s the song’s full personnel: Stevie Wonder (lead vocals, synthesizers, drums, percussion), Robert Arbittier (synthesizer programming), and backing vocals were provided by Alexis England, Darryl Phinnessee, Dorian Holley, Keith John, Kevin Dorsey, Lynne Fiddmont, Melody McCully, Shirley Brewer.

"Skeletons” was sampled on Big Daddy Kane’s “Mister Cee’s Master Plan” and The Fila Fresh Crew’s “Dunk the Funk.” The song was featured prominently in the classic action thriller Die Hard (1988). It was also featured in the second trailer and soundtrack for the popular action-adventure video game Grand Theft Auto V (2013). Additionally, it was featured in an episode of the highly-viewed TV sitcom A Different World, season 1, episode 4, 1987.

The song’s video explores an idyllic white-picket-fence American neighborhood and uncovers the dark secrets its residents keep concealed behind their upstanding public facades. Directed by Greg Gold, it features Stevie Wonder, John Travolta, and actress Karen Black (The Great Gatsby, Nashville, Five Easy Pieces).

To date, “Skeletons” was Stevie’s last song to make the top 40 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, he’s had several top-10 hits on Billboard’s R&B singles charts since then.  

12-inch version of "Skeletons"

"Skeletons" music video

Stevie performing "Skeletons" in Tokyo, Japan in 1988

"Skeletons" is available at Amazon

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“Shadow Dancing” by Andy Gibb

In 1978, the Bee Gees were one of the biggest music acts on the planet. Their songs from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack were a mainstay on the upper regions of the dance and pop charts, and the group boasted legions of devoted fans worldwide. The youngest Gibb brother Andy was also enjoying a major hot streak. That year, the 20-year-old singer-songwriter/performer scored his third U.S. number-one single in a row with the smash “Shadow Dancing.” The song made him the first solo artist to have his first three singles top the U.S. pop charts. It remained atop the Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks and charted in the top 10 in several other countries. It has sold 2.5 million copies in the U.S., and Billboard named it the number-one single of 1978. 

“Shadow Dancing” opens with a dramatic orchestral intro and settles into a seductive dance groove. The song features a smoldering funk bass line, an exquisite string arrangement, and sleek rhythm guitar riffs. Andy delivers an impassioned vocal performance that's filled with deep longing and desire. His vocals capture the intense desperation of a man helplessly in love, but the object of his adoration seems painfully out of reach. He’s joined by his brother Barry on the dynamic chorus. Also, Barry breaks out his famous falsetto on a lyric from the bridge, with Andy also singing the part in falsetto. The two brothers' voices blend beautifully here, elevating the bridge to the heavens. The song is further enhanced by superb horn charts and smooth keyboard work.

“Shadow Dancing” is the title track and lead single from Andy’s platinum-selling second studio album. It was released in April 1978 on RSO Records. The song was written by Andy and his three brothers Barry, Robin and Maurice. It was produced by Gibb-Galuten-Richardson, a recording team that consisted of Barry Gibb, Albhy Galuten (Grammy-winning musician, composer, and producer) and Karl Richardson, a recording engineer and producer. 

Here’s the full personnel for the song: Andy Gibb (lead and background vocals), Harold Cowart (bass), Tim Renwick (electric guitar), Joe Lala (percussion), George Bitzer (keyboards), Barry Gibb (background and harmony vocals, orchestral arrangement), Ron Zigler (drums), John Sambataro (background and harmony vocals), Joey Murcia (electric guitar), Albhy Galuten (orchestral arrangement) and the Boneroo Horns (Peter Graves, Whit Sidener, Ken Faulk, Bill Purse, Neil Bonsanti, Stan Webb).

“Shadow Dancing” has been sampled on 15 songs (per WhoSampled.com), and it was played on an episode of the popular comedy-drama TV series Gilmore Girls (season 4, episode 5, 2003).

In 1980, Andy released his third and final album After Dark. The album performed well from a commercial standpoint. Two singles from the collection landed in the Billboard Hot 100’s top 20, Desire (#4) and I Can’t Help It (#12), a duet with Olvia Newton-John. After Dark peaked at #21 on the Billboard 200 album chart. It was certified gold by the RIAA with 500,000 copies sold, and it also went gold in Hong Kong with 10,000 copies sold. However, critically, the album was considered a disappointment, receiving mainly lukewarm or negative reviews from critics. 

At the time, Andy was battling a crippling cocaine addiction that eventually took a devastating toll on his life and career. He was ultimately dropped from his label and was in and out of rehab in the subsequent years. In early 1987, Andy completed another drug rehabilitation treatment program and was convinced that he had finally beaten his addiction. In June of ‘87, he got back into the studio to record a new album. His goal was to land a recording contract. His brothers invited him to Miami so they could help with the new album and provide him both moral and creative support. Barry eventually brought Andy to London in hopes of securing a record deal for him.

Unfortunately, tragic circumstances abruptly cut short Andy’s plans to restart his music career. With his health still in a fragile state, Andy moved into a carriage house on his brother Robin’s 16-acre estate in Oxshire, England in early 1988. There, he continued to work on his new album and convalesce. On March 9, 1988, Andy collapsed at Robin’s property and was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford. He passed away the following morning from myocarditis, inflammation of the heart muscle caused by a viral infection. Years of heavy cocaine abuse had seriously weakened his heart. He had just celebrated his 30th birthday five days earlier. 

Andy recorded four tracks during the sessions for his ill-fated comeback album. One of them was “Man on Fire,” written by Andy, Maurice and Barry. It was released posthumously on his self-titled 1991 anthology album on Polydor Records. Another track from the sessions was “Arrow Through The Heart.” It was the final song recorded by Andy Gibb. It was written by Andy, Maurice and Barry. The song was featured on an episode of the VH1 documentary series Behind The Music and appeared on the Bee Gees’ 4-disc box set Mythology, released in November 2010. 

Andy Gibb performing "Shadow Dancing" live in 1978

Shadow Dancing is available at Amazon

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Tito Jackson, Founding Member of World-Renowned Pop-Soul Group The Jackson 5, Dies at 70

Famed guitarist/singer-songwriter and producer Tito Jackson died on September 15 after suffering a heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma. He was 70. 

Tito established his place in music history and popular culture as a member of the iconic hit-making pop-soul group the Jackson 5–later renamed the Jacksons following their departure from Motown in 1975. However, he often didn’t get the shine and recognition he deserved for his considerable talents. People frequently slept on his impressive guitar-playing skills. He laid down super-funky rhythm licks on hits like “Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)” and “Lovely One.” Tito had his own distinctive playing style that really helped set off a groove. He also contributed killer solos to amazing cuts like “This Place Hotel” and “Push Me Away.”

Moreover, Tito was a talented songwriter and producer. He and his brothers wrote, arranged and produced the critically acclaimed platinum-selling albums Destiny and Triumph. Some of his songwriting credits for the Jacksons include “Everybody,” “Destiny,” “Push Me Away,” and “Things I Do For You.”

In 2003, Tito began gigging around with a blues band that included acclaimed producer and guitarist Angelo Earl. Additionally, he had worked with music heavy hitters such as L.A. Reid and Babyface. 

Tito participated in the Jacksons’ Unity Tour (2012 - 2013). He joined his brothers Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon for the 55-city world tour across 19 countries. The tour kicked off on June 20, 2012, in Rama, Ontario and ended on July 27, 2013, in Atlantic City. It was the group’s first tour since their historic Victory Tour in 1984. It also marked the first time that they had toured without Michael, who tragically passed away on June 25, 2009 at age 50. Youngest Jackson brother Randy chose not to join the tour.

Tito released his solo debut album, Tito Time, on December 21, 2016. The collection contains the hit single “Get It Baby,” which features legendary rap artist Big Daddy Kane. The song peaked at #20 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Songs chart. The album’s second single, “One Way Street,” climbed to #29 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart. Renowned songwriting and production team Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff penned the song “All In The Family Blues” for the album. 

In 2019, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Jackie embarked on the Jacksons World Tour, which began on January 10, 2019, and ended on September 7, 2019. The group performed before a slew of fans in many different countries.

On August 6, 2021, Tito released his second solo album Under Your Spell. The album features esteemed musical guest artists such as  Stevie Wonder, Bobby Rush, George Benson, Joe Bonamassa, Eddie Levert and Tito’s brother Marlon. The title track boasts a sleazy blues-funk groove with Tito serving up some scorching guitar work. 

Tito and Michael performing at the Victory Tour

Tito was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Jackson 5 in 1997. He received three Grammy nominations for his solo work. (The Jackson 5 were nominated for two Grammys but never won.) Tito’s three sons, Tariano Adaryll Jackson II (“Taj”), Tito Joe Jackson (“TJ”) and Taryll Adren Jackson, formed the R&B/pop trio 3T  in 1989. They were mentored by their uncle Michael, who signed them to his label MJJ Music. 3T’s debut album Brotherhood (released in 1995) sold three million copies worldwide. The group is still active and tours frequently.

One of the projects that Tito had in the works before his passing was hosting the reality show “Tito Jackson’s Hooks, Lines & Singers.” Also, he and his brothers were working on a new Jacksons album. And they were pretty “far advanced” in the recording of it, according to their manager Garry Wilson in a recent interview with Billboard magazine. It will be their first album since the release of 2300 Jackson Street in 1989. They had planned for it to be a tribute to Michael Jackson, but now it will be “a tribute to both Tito and Michael,” said Wilson.

Additionally, Tito had plans to open an entertainment center in the Tulsa Arts District. He was also scheduled to be part of the Toons & Spoons Chili Cook-Off in Tulsa. He also hinted that he might perform at the Centennial of Route 66 in 2026.

Tito recently moved to Claremore, Oklahoma. He wanted to get away from the West Coast and experience new surroundings, culture, and a different way of life. He owned a ranch in the area and enjoyed fishing. 

Tito drops a wicked guitar solo on this fantastic cut from the Jacksons' Triumph album

Tito delivers an exquisite guitar solo during a live performance of "Push Me Away" on the Unity Tour

"Under Your Spell," title track from Tito's second solo album

Legendary R&B Artist and Maze Founder Frankie Beverly Dies at 77

Acclaimed R&B singer/songwriter, producer and musician Frankie Beverly died on Tuesday, September 10. Beverly’s family confirmed the news in a statement on his social media accounts. The cause of his death has not been disclosed to the public. He was 77. 

The Philadelphia native was the frontman for the celebrated R&B band Maze. He lit up their tracks with his rich, powerful vocals. In addition to his considerable vocal gifts, he was a talented songwriter and producer. He penned all of Maze’s discography, which includes classics such as “Joy and Pain,” “Happy Feelin’s,” “Back In Stride,”“Before I Let Go,” “Southern Girl,” “Can’t Get Over You” and “Golden Time of Day.” The band earned nine Gold albums, all of which were produced by Beverly. In addition to vocals, he played guitar and piano.

Beverly was also a charismatic live performer. He always developed a strong connection with his audience during his performances. His warm and personable onstage demeanor made audience members feel like they were his close friends, or even family, at Maze concerts.

Beverly received lifetime achievement awards from the NAACP and BET. He was inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame in 2008. And in 2009, more than a dozen music artists–including Mary J. Blige, Musiq Soulchild, Ledisi, Avant, Mint Condition, and Kevon Edmonds–got together to record the tribute album Silky Soul Music: An All-Star Tribute to Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly. Also, in May of this year, the 6000 block of Norwood Street in Philadelphia’s East Germantown section where Beverly grew up was renamed Frankie Beverly Way in his honor.

Beverly was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on December 6, 1946. He developed a love for music at a young age and sang gospel songs at the local church in East Germantown. Beverly formed the short-lived a cappella doo-wop group the Blenders while still in high school. After the Blenders broke up, he formed the R&B group the Butlers (which later became Frankie Beverly and The Butlers) in 1963. In 1967, they released the Beverly-penned single “If That’s What You Wanted,” which became a Northern Soul standard. 

The group relocated to San Fransico in 1971 and renamed themselves Raw Soul. They caught the attention of Marvin Gaye’s sister-in-law who quickly told the soul legend about them. Gaye immediately recognized the young group’s talent and became their mentor. He featured them as one of his opening acts on his tours and eventually convinced them to change their name to Maze. He helped them secure a record deal with Capitol Records in 1976. Maze released their debut album Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly on the label in 1977. The album was a critical and commercial success. It contained the classic cuts “While I’m Alone,” “Happy Feelin’s” and “Lady of Magic.” The collection climbed to #6 on Billboard’s R&B album chart and #52 on the Billboard 200. It was certified Gold by the RIAA with 500,000 units sold. The album earned the band an ardent fanbase that remains strong to this day. Maze went on to land many more hits and distinguished themselves as one of R&B's most consistent and beloved bands, enjoying decades of continued success.

As Maze’s leader and guiding light, Frankie Beverly has forever etched his name in music history. He was a highly gifted and multifaceted singer, songwriter, musician, producer and performer. His tremendous contributions to soul and R&B music will forever be remembered.

Maze Featuring Frankie Performing "Joy and Pain" in concert in 1984

"If That's What You Wanted" by Frankie Beverly And The Butlers

“Wait a Minute” by Nik West

Funky bass goddess Nik West serves up some sweet sultry soul on her track “Wait a Minute.” She powers this fearsome groove with a smooth bass line. The finely crafted track features a cold beat, percolating keyboards, tight horns, and soulful organ. And West delivers a fantastic vocal performance. The song also boasts a killer chorus and a dope bass/scat break where West lays down a wicked bass solo.

In a 2011 interview with POPINGCHERRY, West discussed the song's meaning: “When that song was written, it was understood that I was tired of being judged by people who thought I got certain perks because I am female, so I was speaking my mind to those people,” she explained. 

“Wait a Minute” is a track from West’s debut album Just In The Nik of Time, released on February 14, 2011. In addition to West, the other players on the track include her father T. West, an accomplished guitarist, and Justin James on keyboards. The album is a strong collection of funk and soul cuts. Justin James was also the album’s executive producer. West often performs “Wait a Minute” at her shows.

Nik West performing "Wait a Minute" at Rockpablast concert in 2015

"Wait a Minute" available at Amazon

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"Creepin'" by Bootsy Collins, Featuring Guitarist/Singer Christone "Kingfish" Ingram

Legendary funkster Bootsy Collins weaves an electrifying soundscape for his rock-fueled funk track "Creepin’." He anchors this nasty groove with a badass walking bass line and a monster beat. The track features guitar wunderkind Christone “Kingfish” Ingram who unleashes some blistering fretboard fireworks. In addition to his phenomenal guitar work, Kingfish serves up a soulful blues-tinged lead vocal performance. Brass master Brennan Johns puts an exclamation point on the funk with some killer horn lines (playing both the trumpet and trombone parts). 

"Creepin’" is a track from Bootsy’s 2020 album The Power of The One. The stellar collection is filled with strong tracks, and it features guest appearances from celebrated music veterans such as Larry Graham, George Benson, Victor Wooten, Branford Marsalis, Béla Fleck and Snoop Dogg. It also features appearances from young guitar prodigies Brandon “Taz” Niederauer and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram. Additionally, esteemed scholar, author and philosopher Dr. Cornel West makes a guest appearance on the album. The Power of The One was written, produced and arranged by Bootsy and released on his label Bootzilla Records.

The full lineup for "Creepin’" was Bootsy (walking bass, Spacebass, drums and percussion, background vocals), Christone “Kingfish” Ingram (lead guitar and lead vocals), Brennan Johns (trumpet and trombone) and Alex Goldblatt (guitars).

Creepin' available at Amazon

Related blog entry: Bootsy Collins Blazes Up The Funk With Hot New Track The Power Of The One

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