Quincy Jones: Remembering the maestro who transformed music

On Monday, I woke to the heartbreaking news that Quincy Jones had passed away on Sunday at the age of 91. Yet, the news of his passing slipped under the radar. 

The world’s attention was elsewhere, caught up in the US presidential elections, the Ukraine-Russia war, the tragic Israel-Hamas conflict, PLE exam preparations, and the release of KCC officials from Luzira Prison.

Amid all this, music lovers quietly mourned the loss of one of the greatest legends of our time.

For musicians and music lovers, this loss hit like a ton of bricks, especially for those of us who have been around long enough to recognize his immense contributions to the music industry.

Quincy Jones wasn’t just a producer; he was the producer’s producer. As a producer, arranger, composer, bandleader, and recording artist, he left an unforgettable mark on nearly every genre he touched.

Music legend Quincy Jones, American music producer, TV and film producer, musician and songwriter, during a visit to Sweden in 1960. AFP PHOTO

Quincy’s magic was in the way he transformed the music landscape, diving deep into the soulful rhythms of jazz and soaring into the heights of pop. He didn’t simply create songs; he crafted anthems that resonated worldwide.

Quincy quite literally gave us Michael Jackson, producing the groundbreaking Thriller album, which was released on November 29, 1982, by Epic Records.
Quincy Jones didn’t just help Michael Jackson make an album—he helped him become a global phenomenon. Almost overnight, Jackson’s moves became our moves. 

Before we even realized it, we were bouncing around like him, trying to perfect his moonwalk, spinning in circles, and proudly wearing a single glove on one hand.
 
His signature style, from the high-water trousers to the unforgettable crotch grab, left its mark on fans everywhere. And even now, decades later, people are still emulating those iconic moves, proving that Jackson's influence is as strong today as ever.

 Before that, Quincy had already collaborated with Jackson on Off the Wall in 1979. Together, they crafted an album where, as Jackson envisioned, “every song was a killer”—and Quincy delivered it, shaping a legacy that would inspire generations.

Music legend Quincy Jones, American music producer, TV and film producer, musician and songwriter, arrives at the Polar Prize Gala, with then-girlfriend Nastassja Kinski (left) and children Quincy III (second from left) and Martina (third from left), Kadata Jones ( left). AFP PHOTO

Michael Jackson, Billie Jean (1982)
One of Quincy Jones's most remarkable achievements as a producer came with “Billie Jean,” the smash hit from Thriller. Interestingly, this moment of brilliance happened despite himself. Jones initially wanted to cut the nearly 30-second drum and bass intro, which he felt was too lengthy. But Michael Jackson, ever attuned to the rhythm, insisted on keeping it. “That’s what makes me want to dance,” Jackson told him. And as Jones later admitted, “When Michael Jackson tells you that, the rest of us just have to shut up.” That insistence became the foundation of one of the most iconic grooves in pop music history.

USA for Africa, We Are the World (1985)
When it came to creating the ultimate charity single, Quincy Jones was the perfect leader. As producer (alongside Michael Omartian), he expertly managed an ensemble of dozens of stars, each bringing their own energy and style. When you watch the video of the making of the song, behind the scenes, Jones orchestrated the recording session like a symphony, guiding soloists to their spots, leading the chorus sections, and even working with Stevie Wonder to help Bob Dylan through his lines. With Jones at the helm, the song became a landmark moment in music history, uniting legendary artists in one harmonious cause.

“We Are the World”: Why It Was Beautiful and Why It Became a Global Hit
“We Are the World” was beautiful not just because of its melody and star-studded cast but because it captured something rare: the spirit of global unity. Written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, and produced by Quincy Jones, this song was created to raise funds for famine relief in Africa. It had a sincerity and urgency that resonated deeply with listeners everywhere.

Here’s what made it a timeless classic:
A Star-Studded Collaboration for a Cause
At the time, “We Are the World” brought together some of the most iconic voices in music: Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Diana Ross, and Bruce Springsteen, to name just a few. 

Seeing so many legends sing side by side was like witnessing a miracle. They didn’t just contribute their voices; they brought their hearts to the performance, which elevated the song's emotional weight.

A Simple but Powerful Message
The song’s message was simple: we’re all in this together. It reminded people that no matter their nationality or background, everyone has the power to make a difference. 

The lyrics, “There’s a choice we’re making / We’re saving our own lives,” spoke directly to the listeners, encouraging them to think of their role in helping those in need. This straightforward message of empathy and responsibility struck a chord with people everywhere.

A melody that was made to stick
Quincy Jones’ production ensured that “We Are the World” wasn’t just a song with a message; it was a song people would actually want to hear again and again. 

The melody was uplifting yet haunting, building to a powerful crescendo that made listeners feel the weight of the song’s plea. It was structured in a way that anyone could sing along to, making it easy to remember and even easier to love.

An Iconic Moment of Global Togetherness
At the time of its release in 1985, the world was facing significant political and social challenges, including poverty, famine, and the tensions of the Cold War. “We Are the World” became an anthem for hope, reminding people that even in hard times, music could bring people together for a good cause. This sense of unity transcended language and culture, making the song a global phenomenon.

Lasting Legacy and Cultural Impact
More than just a charity single, “We Are the World” set the tone for future humanitarian efforts in music, inspiring artists to use their platforms for good. It showed that music had the power to create change and became a blueprint for songs with social messages.

 This concept resonated with people worldwide, including in Uganda, where similar charity-driven songs like “A Little Bit of Love – All Stars” took inspiration from Quincy’s vision of harnessing music to drive change.

Just like “We Are the World,” Uganda’s own groundbreaking song and video, “A Little Bit of Love,” written and produced by Steve Jean, brought together 30 Ugandan musicians to spread a message of hope and strength in the fight against HIV. This unity anthem touched the hearts of Ugandans, becoming a powerful reminder of solidarity and resilience.

Here’s what some Ugandans had to say: @weikamaashim5655:
"You can only realize how good this song is when you are bedridden 😢. Still hopeful in September 2024 ❤"

@tumuhairweham5882: "Found a small clip of this gem on TikTok and I felt like my heart was swelling with tears coming. I was really moved. The voices, the togetherness of our brothers and sisters and message?! All splendid, well blended."

Quincy’s Influence on the Global Music Scene
Working with artists like Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin, Quincy changed the rules. He wasn’t bound by genres; he mixed jazz with pop, added soul to disco, and created something the world hadn’t heard before. Quincy’s work gave us some of the most timeless music in history, the kind that you can listen to decades later and still feel its impact. 

His influence wasn’t just limited to music—it was a masterclass in pushing boundaries and breaking new ground. This legacy is one that Ugandan producers and musicians can draw on for inspiration, creating music that doesn’t just follow trends but sets them.

Lessons for Ugandan Musicians from Quincy’s Legacy
1. Creating Quality, Not Quantity: Quincy taught us that a single well-crafted song can make a lasting impact. It’s not about putting out music every month; it’s about creating pieces that linger in the heart. Ugandan producers can take this lesson to heart by focusing on quality and depth in their work.

2. The Power of Collaboration: Just as Quincy used music to unite different voices, Ugandan artists can foster unity within their communities. Collaboration has the potential to amplify voices and create a more profound impact, reminding us of the magic that can happen when artists come together.

3. Staying True to Your Roots: Quincy’s work often fused his jazz roots with newer sounds, creating something fresh yet familiar. Ugandan musicians can take pride in their cultural heritage, experimenting with fusions that highlight local sounds while reaching a global audience.*

Quincy’s Legacy Lives On
Quincy may no longer be with us, but his music will live on, echoing through time as a testament to his genius. For every Ugandan musician dreaming of breaking boundaries, creating unity, or simply making something beautiful, Quincy’s legacy will be there—a guiding light.

Thank you, Quincy, for showing us what music can do, and for leaving us with songs that will play on forever in our hearts.