Quincy Jones's gift to us all: 7 Music gems that will change your music forever

We just lost one of the most influential music producers in music history - Quincy Jones.

As the producer behind my favorite album, "Thriller," Quincy has always been more than just a name to me. Several years ago, I immersed myself in his world through his documentary and his book "Q on Producing." While his music inspired me creatively, it was his insights and stories that transformed my entire approach to music production and success in life.

Today, I want to share seven profound lessons from Quincy, also known as Q, that changed everything for me – and these aren't your typical production tips.

1. The "Follow Through"

Q's father taught him something that became a cornerstone of his success: "Once a task is just begun, never leave it till it's done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all."

Let me share something personal - I used to have countless unfinished projects sitting on my hard drive. I was insecure about my skills and abandoned good ideas indefinitely. Sound familiar? After learning this principle from Q, that changed. I approach each active project like it's my masterpiece. I push the music as far as I can and visualize where I believe it can go.

From there I seek collaboration until I find the right pieces to elevate the work, that commitment to completion makes all the difference.

2. The Alpha State Secret

Have you ever noticed how some of your best ideas come right before sleep?

There's a reason for that. Quincy learned from Leonard Bernstein that the space between wakefulness and sleep – the alpha state – is where creativity thrives. People often misunderstood when they saw Q appearing to doze off during sessions, but he was actually tapping into this powerful creative state.

Next time you're stuck on a production, try this: Set a timer for 15 minutes, recline in your studio chair, close your eyes, and let your mind drift while your track plays. Don't force ideas – just exist in that space between conscious and unconscious thought.

3. The Band of Collaborators

"Get good at what you do and work with the best people you can find" – this Quincy principle defined his career.

From Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, Q always surrounded himself with excellence. He knew that greatness attracts greatness. Just look at how "Thriller" came together: he assembled a legendary lineup including Paul McCartney, the virtuosos from Toto, bass legend Larry Graham, keyboard master Greg Phillinganes, songwriting genius Rod Temperton, and legendary engineer Bruce Swedien.

Each collaborator brought their unique brilliance to create what would become the best-selling album of all time.

4. The Foundation of Music Expression

Here's a truth bomb: Those incredible arrangements you hear on "Thriller?" They weren't just happy accidents.

Q's journey from writing big band jazz arrangements to studying composition in Europe laid the groundwork for his genius with Michael Jackson. He knew exactly how to build arrangements that elevated MJ's iconic vocal style, crafting instrumental voicings and pairings that created the perfect pocket for Michael's melodies to soar.

This mastery came from his deep understanding of fundamentals:

• Harmony

• Counterpoint

• Leitmotifs

• Melody construction

• Orchestration

Think of these as your musical vocabulary.

As Q wisely advised, "Put the work in and watch your soul be released to express itself." His philosophy was beautifully simple: work hard and study everything about your core skills. Then, once you've done the work, trust your instincts.

You’re building a musical foundation so solid that your creativity can flow freely without second-guessing the technical details.

5. Prepare for Luck

Let me share a personal story: Early in my career, I blew a massive opportunity and loss a mentor because I wasn't prepared. I was so focused on making beats that I neglected the broader skills of production. Q believed that good luck is really just preparation meeting opportunity and he shared what preparation looks like for a music producer.

As producers, we need to master these core skills:

• The fundamentals of music

• Every phase of the creative process

• Finding a good song

• Project organization

• Relationship management

• Vision execution

• Musical communication

• Being a "session therapist" for artists and musicians

6. The Study-Copy-Create Method

Want to know Q's secret to developing a unique style and becoming great? It's simple but profound:

1. Study everything that came before you

2. Copy what inspires you

3. Let your musical soul emerge naturally

One example he shared was the evolution of jazz and specifically jazz trumpet - King Oliver copied Buddy Bolden, Louie Armstrong copied King Oliver, Roy Eldridge copied Louie Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie copied Louie Armstrong, and Charlie Parker copied Dizzy Gillespie. That evolution takes you from marching band music in New Orleans to the creation of jazz, to bebop. All from the practice of copying.

7. The Ego Check

Finally, here's the true game-changer: "Leave your ego at the door."

In the studio, there's no room for it. Q believed music comes through you, not from you. This shift in mindset transformed not just his creative process, but how he ran his sessions. Throughout his career, he mastered the art of checking his own ego while managing the egos of others, allowing him to assemble and lead some of the greatest "bands" of music creators ever united.

I carry this spirit with me through my collaborations as much as possible.

🎯Challenge for the Week

In honor of Q's legacy, pick one of these principles (I suggest starting with the "Follow Through" philosophy) and apply it to your current project. Document how it changes your process and results.

🧠 Quote of the week

“If you want to produce great music, you need to develop your core skills —you must get good at what you do. You also need to understand the importance of working with the best people that you can find at every step. Anything else is counterproductive.” - Quincy Jones

❤️ Favorite Songs Produced By Quincy Jones (Michael Jackson Records)

1. Human Nature

2. I Can't Help It

3. Liberian Girl

4. Billie Jean

5. Smooth Criminal

Enjoy your week,

Melvin Darrell