Michael Jackson's father responds to Quincy Jones claim that he 'stole a lot of stuff' from other artists
Father of the late artist said if Jackson's songs did borrow from other artists then Jones himself was to blame
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Michael Jackson’s father Joe Jackson has claimed Quincy Jones was “jealous” of his son “because he’s never worked with someone with all of that talent”.
Jones, who has produced and worked with artists including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon and Miles Davis among others, caused controversy with a frank interview with Vulture earlier in February.
During the talk, he claimed Jackson “stole a lot of stuff” from other artists, and alleged that the iconic bass riff on his hit single “Billie Jean” was lifted from “State of Independence”, recorded by Donna Summer in 1982.
“The notes don’t lie, man. He was as Machiavellian as they come,” Jones said. Asked how, he responded: “Greedy, man. Greedy. “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough” — Greg Phillinganes wrote the c section. Michael should’ve given him 10 percent of the song. Wouldn’t do it.”
Joe Jackson told Page Six that if there is a similarity between Michael and Summer’s songs, then Jones himself is to blame.
“He says my son stole it, but he was the producer on both [‘Billie Jean’ and ‘State of Independence’], so if anybody is wrong it would be Quincy,” he said, reiterating that he believed that no part of “Billie Jean” was lifted.
Other members of Jackson's family spoke to Page Six and claimed Jones had "quietly carried a vendetta" against Jackson after they reportedly fell out more than 30 years ago.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments