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 helped contribute to Jones’s iconic sound during this era: 

> Patti Austin, whose peerless vocal talents graced many of Jones’s classic productions
> Siedah Garrett, an extraordinary performer and co-writer of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror”
> Paul Jackson Jr., the masterful guitarist whose playing and riffs have shaped many hits, and also Thornton School of Music faculty
> David Paich, the brilliant keyboardist and songwriter known for his work with Toto and Quincy Jones
> 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

In a conversation co-moderated by Jason King, dean of the USC Thornton School of Music, the panelists will share and discuss their experiences working with the iconic Quincy Jones.

"In Tune with Quincy Jones" is part of Quincy Jones: Beyond Category, an event series organized by the USC Thornton School of Music to explore, elevate, and celebrate Quincy Jones’s life and legacy. Working across styles and idioms including classical, jazz, pop, R&B, and film scoring—and breaking ground for African American achievement in the entertainment industries—Jones has garnered the highest levels of critical and commercial acclaim.  

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

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Admission is free and open to the public. A livestream of the event will be made available. Reservations required. RSVP beginning Tuesday, September 3 at 10 a.m.