Melz On The MIC

The Texas Born Singer Quincy Jones Made Into Superstar

· NewsTalk 1290

He's The Greatest American Music Producer Of All Time And He Kick Started The Career Of A Lone Star State Born Singer.

Quincy Jones, a legendary figure in the music industry known for his unparalleled production skills, has an extensive legacy spanning decades and genres. But among the many iconic collaborations in his career, his work with Tevin Campbell in the early '90s remains one of the most impactful partnerships in R&B history.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Jones was riding high on the success of *Thriller* and *Bad*, cementing his reputation as a music maestro. At the same time, he had an eye for discovering raw talent, which led him to a young prodigy named Tevin Campbell. Campbell, who began singing in church and had an undeniable natural gift, was only 12 years old when he caught Jones’ attention.

Their collaboration took shape in 1990 when Campbell made his debut appearance on the song "Tomorrow (A Better You, A Better Me)," a rendition of the instrumental track by The Brothers Johnson, reworked to feature Campbell’s soulful vocals. The song became a No. 1 hit on the Billboard R&B charts, showcasing Campbell’s extraordinary range and control. Jones had once again proven his ability to mold an artist, turning the young singer into an overnight sensation.

The duo's partnership solidified further when Jones featured Campbell on his landmark album *Back on the Block* (1989), which won a Grammy Award for Album of the Year. Their most famous collaboration, however, came with Campbell's debut solo album, *T.E.V.I.N.* (1991). Produced by Jones and featuring other high-profile producers like Prince, it included the hit "Tell Me What You Want Me to Do," catapulting Campbell into stardom and earning him multiple Grammy nominations.

Quincy Jones’ mentorship was vital to Campbell’s success. He nurtured Campbell’s career, guiding him through a transformative era in R&B and turning him into a fixture of early ‘90s music. This partnership not only underscored Jones’ reputation as a kingmaker but also introduced Tevin Campbell’s voice to a generation, leaving a lasting imprint on the soundscape of modern R&B.