Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall was his fifth solo album and the first produced by Quincy Jones. Their classy execution of disco and pop honored the dance floor and created a lovelorn ballad. Susaye Greene and Stevie Wonder wrote “I Can’t Help It.” Greene had previously sang with Ray Charles’ Raelattes, Stevie Wonder’s Wonderlove and The Supremes before she had the opportunity to write for Jackson. She began to get notieced for her songwriting after contributing to Deniece Williams’ breakthrough hit “Free” in 1975. In a 2021 interview with KMUW, she described the creative process with Wonder as “heaven” like pulling something from the universe. Jackson’s feverish vocals sounded angelic in the midst of Jones’ cosmic production. His interpretation of Greene’s lyrics about an irresistible love was another enchanting moment on the album that made his strongest statement as a solo star to date.   Off The Wall was the beginning of Jackson’s rise into the King Of Pop that would be affirmed after the success of Thriller in 1982. Jackson and Jones made history with Off The Wall which is considered a timeless album that transcends audiences and generations. A special edition of the album was released in 2001 and it was re-released again in 2016 and packaged with Spike Lee’s documentary Michael Jackson’s Journey From Motown To Off The Wall. De La Soul, Mary J.Blige, Donell Jones, Ginuwine, Blackstreet and more have sampled “I Can’t Help It.” 

 

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[youtube id=”WT7gn6nhsAc”]Quincy Jones’ six-decade career and life is the subject of the Netflix documentary Quincy. Jones’ career is unparalleled from his early days as a bandleader of one the world’s greatest jazz bands to his entry into pop culture as the producer of Michael Jackson’s biggest albums. The former trumpet player has produced, written and arranged for the most prominent artists across the genres and crafted numerous soundtracks and television theme songs. His daughter Rashida Jones and Alan Hicks co-directed the film. Quincy was screened at The Toronto Film Festival this past Sunday and will be available on Netflix September 21st. 

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Was it appropriate for Dodge to use a Martin Luther King Jr. speech for a Superbowl commercial?

Did Quincy Jones embellish his story about Marlon Brando being involved with Richard Pryor, James Baldwin and Marvin Gaye in the much-cited interview with Vulture?

Did The White House admit to running the country like a reality show with the comment about Omarosa Manigault Newman being fired four times including the three firings from The Apprentice?