Five musical artists whose careers were changed by Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones musical career spanned over 70 years. Within that timeframe, Jones released 16 studio albums, and he won 28 Grammys (listed as second in most wins in Grammy history).

He was the first Black musical director of the Grammys, he produced 37 musical scores, 24 soundtrack albums, a member of the elite "EGOT" club (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award winner), and he was the Producer of the biggest and best selling album of all time, Thriller. Through his talent, Jones broke barriers, erased boundaries and connected the world through his gift.

What made Quincy Jones stand out was his eye for talent. Jones ability to take the work of an artist and turn it to gold is something that truly needs to be studied. Thanks to Jones, there are several artists whose careers were forever changed. This is a testiment to his work and his ability as a Producer. In honor of this legend, let's highlight artists who lives were forever changed thanks to working with Quincy.

These five musical artists were changed for good by working with Quincy Jones

James Ingram

The late James Ingram career started in 1973, but it was the year 1981 that changed everything. Ingram once stated that he initially recorded the demo track for "Just Once." When Jones finally listened to the demo, he loved Ingram so much, he called him to be apart of the album. He recorded that track along with "One Hundred Ways."

Thanks to this collaboration, Ingram won his first Grammy in 1982. After his Grammy win, his career skyrocketed. He provided vocals on Michael Jackson's "Thriller" and he collaborated once again with Quincy Jones for "The Secret Garden." He was nominated for 12 more Grammys, he received two Golden Globe and Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song for "Look What Love Has Done" (from the movie Junior) and "The Day I Fall In Love" (from the Beethoven's second soundtrack).

Al B. Sure

Albert Joseph Brown III, known to the world as Al B. Sure, was a star quarterback who was offered a full athletic scholarship to the University of Iowa. He decided to turn down the offer to focus on his singing career. It was almost fate for Brown because in 1987, Jones selected Brown as the first winner of Sony Innovators Talent Search. After this win, he was offered a contract.

He then released his debut album "In Effect Mode". Brown's debut album sold over three million copies and it remained on the Billboard R&B charts for over seven weeks. After his debut album, he was featured on "The Secret Garden" (alongside James Ingram), he was nominated for three Grammys, and he won the American Music Award and Soul Train Award for Best New Artist. At only 19 years old, Brown became a global teen superstar.

Tevin Campbell

It was Quincy Jones who gave Tevin Campbell his start when he was 13 years old. This came to be when he featured the future star for his debut song "Tomorrow (Better You, Better Me)" on Jones's "Back On The Block" album. This track reached number one on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop charts in 1990. Campbell then released his debut solo song "Round & Round" from the Motion Picture "Graffiti Bridge". This track gave Campbell his first Grammy nomination in 1991.

Jones later produced Tevin's debut album T.E.V.I.N. in which he picked up two more Grammy nominations. Jones introduced Tevin to world renowned Producer Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. This led to the release of Campbell's most successful album I'm Ready. With "I'm Ready," "Always In My Heart," and "Can We Talk," Campbell's sophomore album sold over two million copies and he earned three more Grammy noms.

Will Smith

"Will Smith, why is this actor on a list about music"? Let's get into it. Before Will Smith discovered that he had talent as an actor, he was a rapper. Donned The Fresh Prince, Smith saw major success at the age of 19. DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince released He's the DJ, I'm the Rapper in 1988. The most successful single on the debut album was "Parents Just Don't Understand." This classic track not only gave the duo a Grammy win, they were the first rap duo to win in the newly added Best Rap Performance at the 1989 Grammys.

At this point, money poured into Smith's lap and it was spent like water (without paying taxes). Smith not paying taxes resulted in the FBI assessing $2.8 million in debt from Smith. Left in a financial struggle, in comes Quincy Jones.

Jones had just signed a deal with Warner Bros. Television and a script was pitched to him about a teen from the hood sent to live with his rich aunt and uncle. The idea was then pitched to Smith, but he was not interested. Jones saw his potential and gave him the script; giving him 10 minutes to improv the character. His fate was sealed that night and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air was born. Thanks to Jones signing Smith on, Smith was cleared from his debt. It was rumored that Smith didn't recieve a dime of his money from the show until the third or fourth season.

Michael Jackson

It goes without saying that Michael Jackson benefited the most from working with Quincy Jones. The seeds were sown for this partnership during the production of The Wiz. Quincy Jones was signed on to be the producer of the score and the soundtrack album. This is where MJ and Quincy met and developed a bond.

MJ sought out Jones to produce his debut album under a new record label. He was looking for a mature sound as he was approaching 21 years old and Jones knew exactly what to do. Off The Wall was the result of the first collaboration. The album gave MJ one Grammy win and this sparked something in him. MJ told Quincy that his next project would not only be his best, but it will solidify his career as one of the greatest.

That album was Thriller. Released on November 29, 1982, this album became MJ's most successful project and 42 years later, it still holds the record for the best selling album of all time. Michael won a record eight Grammys in one night for Thriller and Jones was a co-winner on four of those awards. Jones later produced Bad for MJ which marked the end of their partnership as this was the final album Jones produced for him. With 24 songs produced, Jones and Michael Jackson is without a doubt one of the best partnerships in music history.

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