Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Talk about Working with Prince, The Human League, New Edition and more...

#prince #jimmyjam #terrylewis #humanleague #newedition Jam and Terry Lewis, a legendary production duo, have left an indelible mark on the music industry over the past three decades. Their journey, characterized by creativity, innovation, and a deep respect for artistic integrity, spans a diverse array of collaborations with artists from The SOS Band to Janet Jackson, Usher, New Edition, and even The Human League, illustrating their versatility and influence.

The duo’s origins are rooted in their childhood, where their style was born out of necessity. Unable to afford sophisticated clothing, they shopped at thrift stores, tailoring old suits to fit them. This early experience in improvisation and creativity later translated into their music production. Their iconic look of hats and sunglasses became their "superhero outfit," a symbol of their unique identity in the music world.

Despite their immense success, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis always preferred to stay behind the scenes, focusing on enhancing the artists' work rather than seeking the spotlight for themselves. This humility and dedication to craft are rare in the industry. Their approach of not being "all up in every video" and avoiding sonic identifiers in their records exemplifies their philosophy of letting the artists shine.

One of the pivotal moments in their career was their departure from The Time, a band associated with Prince. An unexpected turn of events, including missing a gig due to a snowstorm in Atlanta, led to them being fired by Prince. However, this setback became a blessing in disguise as it led them to mix “Just Be Good To Me” by The SOS Band, which became a huge hit.

Their working relationship with Prince, although complex, was foundational in their growth. The challenges they faced while working with him and the subsequent parting allowed them to evolve independently, paving the way for future successes. The duo's resilience and ability to turn obstacles into opportunities have been a consistent theme in their career.

Post-The Time, their career took an upward trajectory. They worked on projects like “Change of Heart” by Change, “Encore” by Cheryl Lynn, and numerous hits with The SOS Band, Cherrelle, and Alexander O'Neal. Their ability to tailor unique sounds for each artist rather than imprinting a singular Jam and Lewis sound on them contributed significantly to their longevity in the industry.

Their philosophy of being "warm for a long time" rather than seeking transient hotness has been a guiding principle in their decision-making process. This long-term vision led them to work with a diverse range of artists, including Patti Austin, which brought them into Quincy Jones' orbit.

An important aspect of their work ethic is their connection to their roots. Despite a brief stint in Los Angeles, they realized the importance of working from Minneapolis, away from the distractions of the big city. This decision to work in a comfortable, pressure-free environment was crucial in developing authentic music.

The duo’s ability to adapt to different artists and genres is exemplified in their work on “Human” by The Human League. Their approach to this project, which involved significant cultural and stylistic adaptation, showcases their versatility. The song “Human” stands out as an example of their ability to create powerful, emotive music that transcends the artists themselves.

Their humility and dedication to the craft extend beyond their music production. They have been instrumental in supporting other artists and professionals in the industry, exemplified by their relationship with Clarence Avant, a key figure in their career. Their mentorship and guidance from Avant helped them navigate the industry and make significant contributions beyond music production, including serving on boards and helping others find their footing in the industry.

Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis's journey is not just a story of musical innovation but also of humility, resilience, and a deep understanding of the art of music production. Their transition from producers to artists with their single “He Don’t Know Nothin’ ‘Bout It,” in collaboration with Babyface, marks a new chapter in their illustrious career, promising more groundbreaking music that continues to shape the industry.