On Nov. 4, 2024, legendary music producer Quincy Jones passed away at the age of ninety-one. Best known for producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Jones left an ineradicable mark on the music industry. Beyond his behind the scenes production in the studio, Jones was also an accomplished trumpet player; at the age of 18, he earned a scholarship to Boston’s Berklee College of Music. He graduated in 1951 and later received an Honorary Doctorate from Berklee in 1983. Over the course of his career, Jones collaborated with countless iconic jazz musicians like Count Basie, Duke Ellington and Ray Charles. He also broke barriers in the film industry, becoming one of the first African Americans to compose music for Hollywood Films.
Music producers play a crucial role in shaping songs. They structure and arrange music, balance the elements of the song, and handpick the musicians who are able to bring their vision to life. Jones once described Thriller as a combination of his experience and Jackson’s talents. Producers like Jones are often seen as the sculptors of sound, and have the power to craft music that will be known forever.
Similarly, modern producers continue to push the boundaries of music. Mike Will Made-It, for example, is known for zany sound; his songs are the blend of futuristic and robotic sounding layers backed by booming percussion. Will has worked with artists like Future, Rae Sremmurd and Miley Cyrus and his claim to fame is his work on Rae Sremmurd’s No. 1 Hit, “Black Beatles” in 2016. Will’s style is evident in “Black Beatles” as the song features an ominous-yet-inviting intro, and a consistent and methodic beat. The vocals are expertly layered and Will does an impressive job incorporating the iconic intro throughout the entirety of the track.
Mark Ronson has also shaped today’s music with his unique brassy and funky sound. Most recognized for Bruno Mars’s Uptown Special, particularly the track “Uptown Funk,” Ronson’s tracks are filled with the unique sound of layered brass instruments, catchy basslines and hip-hop inspired beats. “Uptown Funk” features an infectious bassline, a consistent beat that emphasizes Ronson’s skillset, and motivating vocals. Additionally, Ronson’s abilities are apparent on Amy Winehouse’s best selling tracks “Valerie” and “Back to Black,” as the two had extensively worked together.
Finally, A.G. Cook has redefined pop music in the 2020s. His work with Charli XCX on her 2024 album “Brat” has been hailed to the genre of pop as revolutionary. “Brat” was influential in numerous ways and Cook’s production solidified its legacy. His synths and vocals are very crispy and poke through the complex rave-sounding background. With intricate synth runs, deep drums, and futuristic textures, his unique producing skill makes him stand out.
Next time you enjoy a song, don’t be afraid to look below the surface and dive into the depths of the world of music production. The process of production is intriguing because producers are the masterminds behind music and arrange the tunes known and loved today. Often, producers work goes unnoticed, so go discover music through not only the artists, but the producers that created the track.
