In their autobiography Hound Dog, songwriters Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller tell of one time when they were at Jerry’s apartment. Jerry was in the kitchen while Mike was trying out ideas on the piano. Jerry called out to him “Take out the papers and the trash!” Immediately, Mike responded “Or you don’t get no spending cash.” Ten minutes later, the duo finished writing a rock and roll classic. The Coasters took the song, “Yakety Yak,” to number one.
The late Carl Gardner of The Coasters and The Robins was born on this date in 1928. A few of those groups’ songs with Gardner on lead are featured on today’s playlist.
Quincy Delight Jones Jr., affectionately known as “Q,” is a name that resonates across the vast landscape of music. Born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Quincy Jones has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. His multifaceted career spans seven decades, and his contributions to music, film, and humanitarian causes are nothing short of legendary. Let’s delve into the life of this remarkable artist, exploring both his creative genius and his unwavering commitment to making the world a better place.
Quincy Jones’s musical journey began with the trumpet, but it soon expanded to embrace a universe of genres. From jazz to pop, from film scores to chart-topping hits, Jones’s versatility knows no bounds. He cut his teeth working with luminaries like Ray Charles and Dizzy Gillespie, honing his skills as an arranger and composer. His compositions, such as “Stockholm Sweetnin’” and “For Lena and Lennie,” showcased his innate ability to blend sophistication with soulful melodies.
However, it’s impossible to discuss Quincy Jones without mentioning his groundbreaking collaborations with Michael Jackson. As the producer of Jackson’s iconic albums—Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad—Jones elevated pop music to new heights. The pulsating basslines of “Billie Jean,” the electrifying energy of “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” and the haunting introspection of “Man in the Mirror” all bear his unmistakable imprint. And let’s not forget the global anthem “We Are the World,” which Jones orchestrated to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia—a testament to his unwavering commitment to humanity.
Beyond the studio, Quincy Jones’s heart beats for social causes. In the 1970s, he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Martin Luther King Jr. as a founding member of Jesse Jackson’s Operation PUSH. His belief in the transformative power of music led him to create the Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation. Through this nonprofit, he connects underserved youth with technology and music education. From South Central Los Angeles to South Africa, Jones’s foundation builds bridges, providing instruments and broadening music curricula to include American jazz greats alongside European classics.
But his philanthropic endeavors extend beyond borders. In partnership with Emirati social entrepreneur Badr Jafar, Jones launched the Global Gumbo Group. Their charity single “Tomorrow/Bokra,” featuring Middle Eastern singers, raised funds for children’s charities. This No. 1 hit in the Middle East garnered over 7 million views on YouTube, proving that music can heal and uplift even in the most challenging times.
And let’s not forget Hurricane Katrina. Jones stepped in to save the homes and properties of elderly jazz musicians affected by the devastating storm. His magic touch—what some call the “Quincy dust”—transforms lives, one act of kindness at a time.
Quincy Jones, now in his 90s, remains an unstoppable force. Whether he’s conducting an orchestra, mentoring young artists, or advocating for social justice, his legacy reverberates across generations. As we listen to the soulful strains of “Soul Bossa Nova” or groove to “Razzamatazz,” let’s remember that behind every note lies a man who believes in the power of love, music, and compassion. Quincy Jones—the maestro, the philanthropist, and the eternal groove-maker—continues to inspire us all.
Q produced all of the recordings on today’s playlist except the ones performed by Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra and Big Maybelle; on those he’s credited as the arranger.
Eddie Cochran was only 19 years old when he recorded “Summertime Blues,” a song he wrote with his manager in 45 minutes. A self-taught guitarist, Cochran played all the guitar parts and sang both the lead and bass vocals. Less than two years after “Summertime Blues” became a hit Cochran was killed in a car accident.
Eddie Cochran was born on this date in 1938. A few of his songs are included on today’s playlist.
Today’s playlist celebrates the December 5 birthdays of Little Richard, J.J. Cale, Goo Goo Dolls’ Johnny Rzeznik, Andy Kim, Keri Hilson, Michel’le, and Pamela Blair; and the December 6 birthdays of R.E.M.’s Peter Buck, Dave Brubeck, Ride’s Mike Gardener, Everything But The Girl’s Ben Watt, The Dave Clark Five’s Mike Smith, The Tymes’ George Williams, Willie Hutch, and Jonathan King.
Though it was 65 years ago, the names of many of the hitmakers of 1956 remain well-known to today’s public: Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers, Little Richard, Johnny Cash, The Platters, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, James Brown, Bill Haley and His Comets, Frank Sinatra, Bo Diddley, Ella Fitzgerald, The Drifters. What a year! Check out some highlights below.
