In the 1970s and 1980s, Quincy Jones released his own critically and commercially acclaimed albums including Smackwater Jack (1971), Body Heat (1974), and The Dude (1981), as well as film and television soundtracks such as Roots and The Color Purple, and the iconic 1985 anthem “We Are the World.” The music visionary also applied his Midas touch to the work of many other artists, producing for the likes of the Brothers Johnson, George Benson, Chaka Khan, Aretha Franklin, and Ray Charles, and, most notably, Michael Jackson’s top-selling Thriller (1982) and Bad (1987).

During this prolific and fertile period, Jones curated and called on a cadre of go-to musicians and creative collaborators, each talented and exceptional in their own way. The USC Thornton School of Music’s yearlong tribute to Quincy Jones continues with a panel event that brings together some of his longstanding collaborators—influential artists and musicians who collaborated with Jones on projects ranging from “We Are the World” to Michael Jackson’s Thriller and helped contribute to his iconic sound during this era: 

> Patti Austin, whose peerless vocal talents graced many of Jones’s classic productions
> Thomas Bähler, singer, composer, songwriter, and associate producer and arranger for the recording of “We Are the World”
> Ed Eckstine, former president of Mercury Records and senior executive at Arista Records and Quincy Jones Productions
> Siedah Garrett, an extraordinary performer and co-writer of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”
> Jerry Hey, Grammy Award–winning arranger, orchestrator, and musician who played on Michael Jackson’s “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” and “Working Day and Night”
> Paul Jackson, Jr., the masterful guitarist whose playing and riffs have shaped many hits, and also Thornton School of Music faculty
> Greg Phillinganes, the versatile keyboardist and arranger who played a pivotal role in many Quincy Jones projects
> John “JR” Robinson, the legendary drummer whose impeccable timing and groove provided the backbone for many Quincy Jones–produced tracks
> Mervyn Warren, producer-arranger and a key Quincy Jones collaborator and phenomenal vocal arranger
Additional guests may be announced.

In a dynamic conversation produced and moderated by USC Thornton Dean Jason King and Grammy-winning Universal Music Enterprises Vice President Harry Weinger, the panelists will share and discuss their experiences working with the iconic Quincy Jones.

This event is part of Quincy Jones: Beyond Category, an event series organized by the USC Thornton School of Music to explore, elevate, and celebrate the life and legacy of Quincy Jones. At 91, the musician, instrumentalist, composer, conductor, arranger, songwriter, music producer, film and television producer, entrepreneur, investor, social activist, and philanthropist is celebrating seven decades of unprecedented professional creativity and excellence as a trailblazing cultural figure. 

This event is presented by USC Visions & Voices: the Arts & Humanities Initiative. 

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Admission is free and open to the public. Reservations required.