Latest news with #QuincyJones
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Rock Legend Eddie Van Halen Was Paid 'Zero Dollars' for Iconic Solo on Michael Jackson Hit
Why Rock Legend Eddie Van Halen Was Paid 'Zero Dollars' for Iconic Solo on Michael Jackson Hit originally appeared on Parade. When Michael Jackson's multi-platinum hit "Beat It" debuted in 1982, it was clear the song was destined to become one of the best-selling singles of all time — thanks, in part, to the tune's instantly iconic hard rock guitar solo. At the time, however, many fans didn't know that legendary Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen was responsible for the decades later, music lovers are still surprised to learn that he played on the track for free. In a 2013 interview on CNN alongside rapper LL Cool J, Van Halen — who died in 2020 at the age of 65 — gave a hilariously candid response when Piers Morgan asked why he received "zero dollars" for his work on the "smash hit." "Well, I didn't ask for anything," Van Halen admitted, adding, "This is about 20 minutes out of my life." "Quincy had called me up and asked me if I wanted to do it," Van Halen continued, referring to famed producer Quincy Jones. "Honest to God truth, the band's policy was, you know, we don't do things outside of the band at the time, and everybody was out of town so I had no one to ask. I swear to God, I figured who's going to know if I play on this black kid's record," he added, laughing. As Van Halen went on to explain, the "funniest thing of all" was that he "actually rearranged the song." "The second they wanted me to solo over it was just, you know there's no chord changes underneath it so I had to rearrange the song," he recalled. "And Michael came in and I said 'Oh I hope you don't mind I changed your song,' and he listens he goes 'No, I really like that high fast stuff you do.'" Despite the fact that Van Halen never profited from a song that made Jackson boatloads of cash, the rock legend proved he harbored no hard feelings in the same interview, remembering the pop star as a "sweet guy."Why Rock Legend Eddie Van Halen Was Paid 'Zero Dollars' for Iconic Solo on Michael Jackson Hit first appeared on Parade on Jul 17, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Why Rock Legend Eddie Van Halen Was Paid 'Zero Dollars' for Iconic Solo on Michael Jackson Hit
Why Rock Legend Eddie Van Halen Was Paid 'Zero Dollars' for Iconic Solo on Michael Jackson Hit originally appeared on Parade. When Michael Jackson's multi-platinum hit "Beat It" debuted in 1982, it was clear the song was destined to become one of the best-selling singles of all time — thanks, in part, to the tune's instantly iconic hard rock guitar solo. At the time, however, many fans didn't know that legendary Van Halen guitarist Eddie Van Halen was responsible for the decades later, music lovers are still surprised to learn that he played on the track for free. In a 2013 interview on CNN alongside rapper LL Cool J, Van Halen — who died in 2020 at the age of 65 — gave a hilariously candid response when Piers Morgan asked why he received "zero dollars" for his work on the "smash hit." "Well, I didn't ask for anything," Van Halen admitted, adding, "This is about 20 minutes out of my life." "Quincy had called me up and asked me if I wanted to do it," Van Halen continued, referring to famed producer Quincy Jones. "Honest to God truth, the band's policy was, you know, we don't do things outside of the band at the time, and everybody was out of town so I had no one to ask. I swear to God, I figured who's going to know if I play on this black kid's record," he added, laughing. As Van Halen went on to explain, the "funniest thing of all" was that he "actually rearranged the song." "The second they wanted me to solo over it was just, you know there's no chord changes underneath it so I had to rearrange the song," he recalled. "And Michael came in and I said 'Oh I hope you don't mind I changed your song,' and he listens he goes 'No, I really like that high fast stuff you do.'" Despite the fact that Van Halen never profited from a song that made Jackson boatloads of cash, the rock legend proved he harbored no hard feelings in the same interview, remembering the pop star as a "sweet guy."Why Rock Legend Eddie Van Halen Was Paid 'Zero Dollars' for Iconic Solo on Michael Jackson Hit first appeared on Parade on Jul 17, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 17, 2025, where it first appeared.
Forbes
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Montreux Jazz Festival And Claude Nobs Foundation: A Living Legacy In Sound And Spirit
Quincy jones presents a night of global Gumbo - Quincy Jones and Claude nobs © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin A Festival Built on Passion, Vision, and Jazz The 59th edition of the Montreux Jazz Festival ends on Saturday 19th July, its final notes echoing over the serene waters of Lake Geneva. Chaka Khan's powerful tribute to Quincy Jones– To Q With Love– opened this year's festival with a soulful celebration of one of Montreux's most treasured collaborators. But as the applause fades and the stages are packed down, attention is already turning to 2026, when the Montreux Jazz Festival will celebrate its 60th anniversary–a milestone that not only marks six decades of musical excellence, but also honors the enduring legacy of its visionary founder, Claude Nobs. A Musical Pilgrimage to Claude Nobs Chalets Just one day after Chaka Khan's opening night performance, I made a musical pilgrimage to a place that many consider the spiritual heart of Montreux: Claude Nobs' chalet high in the mountains above the lake, now home to the Claude Nobs Foundation. Nestled in the quiet Alpine village of Haut-de-Caux–accessible via the quaint Golden Pass cogwheel railway, which has a portrait of Claude Nobs on the side–this site is far more than a charming retreat, it's a living museum, a sanctuary of sound, and a cradle of innovation. Mountains above Montreux © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Where Legacy Meets Innovation Led by Thierry Amsallem–Claude's lifelong partner and the foundation's President–the Chalet offers a deeply intimate window into the world of a man who changed the course of music history. The Claude Nobs Chalets–now a UNESCO-listed heritage site–house an extensive archive of recordings, and form the beating heart of projects that are redefining how music can be preserved and experienced. In collaboration with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL), the Montreux Jazz Digital Project is turning the musical archive of Montreux Jazz Festival into a launchpad for immersive, futuristic experiences–where the performances of legends are accessible in 3D audio and virtual environments. Montreux Media Ventures is a pioneering steward of cultural heritage, presiding over one of the world's most significant audio-visual Collection from the renowned Montreux Jazz Festival. From Nina Simone to Miles Davis, Aretha Franklin and David Bowie, MMV has preserved iconic performances from some of the world's greatest artists for future generations. With over 17,000 hours of audio and video, MMV is seen as 'The Abbey Road of recorded live music', presiding over a cultural asset of unrivalled quality that has been inscribed in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register since 2013. Thierry Amsallem, Founder of Claude Nobs Foundation © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Claude Nobs: From Local Promoter to Global Pioneer The roots of Montreux Jazz Festival (MJF) go back to 1967, when Claude founded what was then a pure jazz festival. Within just four years, Montreux had cemented itself as an essential stop on the global music map. In 1968, a Grammy-winning recording from the festival earned worldwide acclaim. In 1969, an impromptu concert led to the best-selling jazz album Swiss Movement , introducing the world to Montreux's magic. By 1971, Claude was booking Rock legends like Santana and Pink Floyd–even as he kept jazz at the festival's core. A Personal Touch: The Stories Behind the Chalet Walls As we walked through the chalet complex, Thierry recounted stories that painted a vivid portrait of the man behind the festival. Claude, it turns out, had a passion for trains, and his collection of model locomotives runs through several rooms. Neil Young, an equally avid collector, once playfully one-upped Claude during a visit when he showed him his model train collection. Thierry stood in a sitting room of the chalet where a collection of Claude's model trains is displayed and recalled: 'Claude was here. I was there. Neil Young was here, and he was looking at Claude's train collection. Claude explained that he was a big fan of trains because his father had lived near a railway line. Claude was explaining to Neil that his trains were from a US company of the 1930s. Neil Young said to him 'Don't explain. I bought the company!' He sold the company two years ago I think. Then we became friends because of trains!' The extensive train collection also includes a model train gifted to Claude by none other than Paul Simon. Who knew that an obsession with model trains could be shared by so many music legends? Claude Nobs Foundation collection of model trains © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock A Museum of Musical Legends The chalet itself is a time capsule of musical history. In one room, David Bowie's Kimono, shoes and a bunch of fake flowers sit beside a cheeky postcard sent to Claude from San Francisco by Freddie Mercury. Quincy Jones' trumpet and Jamiroquai's signature hat add to the eclectic mix. A small chalet adjacent to the main house is–according to Thierry–Shania Twain's favorite hideaway. If these walls could talk, they would hum with stories of legendary jam sessions and home-cooked meals shared by stars, back in an era when stars weren't surrounded by a huge entourage of PR people, stylists and managers. Claude often cooked himself, offering artists a family-like refuge away from the adoring fans at the Montreux concerts. Bowie once praised the home-cooked dinner Claude made him in front of a live audience. There is also a room where the Rolling Sones hung out, which is decorated with photos and paintings of them, including some by Ronnie Wood. Claude developed a relationship with The Rolling Stones and even helped Keith Richards when he was in rehab for a year in Montreux. Thierry recalled that, when Claude invited the Rolling Stones to play Montreux, they were all enthusiastic apart from Mick Jagger who said 'But Claude, I don't play Jazz!' The Rolling Stones were due to play Montreux casino after Frank Zappa performed, but the night ended in a legendary incident worthy of a disaster movie. David Bowie's Kimono at Claude Nobs Chalets © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock From Fire to Fame: The Story of Smoke on the Water In a vintage screening room lined with 1970s Swissair first-class seats–complete with now-defunct ashtrays–Thierry showed us rare footage of iconic festival moments. Thierry told us the dramatic tale of the infamous 1971 fire at Montreux Casino. During a Frank Zappa concert, a fan set off a flare gun, sparking a fire that would burn the venue to the ground. Deep Purple witnessed the chaos, and the next day wrote the now-legendary Smoke on the Water , immortalizing the event, and Claude himself ('Funky Claude was running in and out'). Thierry explained: 'Deep Purple said 'We're going to bring the Rolling Stones mobile studio, because we would like to play Montreux but we would also like to record an album. Claude said 'OK, but this will be after the Frank Zappa Show'. And a stupid guy during the Zappa show lit a gun flare and set fire to the casino.' Thierry proceeded to show us a previously unseen film with footage of the Frank Zappa concert, the fire and the aftermath, edited to the soundtrack of Pink Floyd's track One of These Days , which led to the composition of Smoke on the Water . After the visit to the chalet, I listened to the track again and the lyrics took on a whole new meaning: 'We all came out to Montreux On the Lake Geneva shoreline To make records with a mobile, yeah We didn't have much time now Frank Zappa and the Mothers Were at the best place around But some stupid with a flare gun Burned the place to the ground Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky (Smoke) on the water, you guys are great They burned down the gambling house It died with an awful sound Funky Claude was running in and out He was pulling kids out the ground now When it all was over Find another place Swiss time was running out It seemed that we would lose the race Smoke on the water, a fire in the sky Smoke on the water.' A Vision for the Future: AI, Immersion, and Innovation Montreux is not just a music festival–it's a guardian of culture. The archive is staggering: over 17,000 hours of audio and video recordings have been preserved, with performances from Prince to Nina Simone, from Ed Sheeran to Bowie. This treasure trove is overseen by Montreux Media Ventures, which manages the festival's media and production and has earned the archive a place in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. The Claude Nobs Foundation and Montreux Media Ventures are not only preserving the past but innovating for the future. Thierry revealed one of the most exciting developments in the works: an AI-assisted recreation of Claude's voice, set to debut during the 60th anniversary celebrations. This voice will guide visitors through Live at Montreux-The Experience by Claude Nobs , an interactive installation that immerses audiences in the music, the history, and the very soul of Montreux. Art Meets Sound: The Visual Legacy of Montreux Art has always been integral to Montreux's identity. Claude's eclectic tastes extended beyond music and model trains to art deco and contemporary art, and he was pioneering in his vision not only of merging pop and rock music with jazz–which some people viewed as musical sacrilege in the 60s–he was also pushing the boundaries between art and music. In 1983, Claude invited American Street artist Keith Haring to design artwork for the festival, beginning a tradition that continued with artists like Niki de Saint Phalle and Malika Favre. Haring had visited the Chalet during his time in Montreux, and several originals of his artworks are on display, many of them personally dedicated to Claude. Thierry explained that Haring had created street art around Montreux during his visits, which wasn't documented and sadly disappeared, but his designs for the festival and his artworks live on in the Chalet. For 2025, London-based artist Lakwena took inspiration from Nina Simone's 1976 performance of Stars , building her design around the lyric, 'All you see is glory.' An exciting collaboration will be announced later this year with an artist for the 60th anniversary of MJF. In the Chalet you can spot a Warhol portrait of Mao next to an original Keith Haring artwork signed to Claude, a self-portrait of Bowie, and a more contemporary painting by artist Kehinde Wahale, the official portraitist of former US President Barrack Obama. Artworks at Claude Nobs Chalets © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Quincy Jones and the Power of Collaboration Montreux has also long benefited from the influence of legendary producer Quincy Jones. After joining as co-producer in 1991, Quincy and Claude formed an extraordinary partnership, drawing artists across eras and styles. Together, they staged one of Miles Davis' final performances and brought to life nights featuring Phil Collins, Mos Def, Herbie Hancock, Jorja Smith, Jon Batiste, and countless others. This firm friendship between Quincy and Claude endured during their lifetimes, and Quincy's legacy was celebrated at the 2025 MJF with Chaka Khan's musical tribute To Q with Love . MJF Scène du LAC. Lac Chaka Khan © Lionel Flusin © Lionel Flusin Prince, Bowie, and the Soul of Montreux 'Prince called Claude himself to say he wanted to play Montreux,' Thierry said. 'He fell in love with the place.' The late icon went on to perform six legendary concerts at the festival. The chalet still reverberates with echoes of those performances. Thierry played us a video of Bowie performing Ashes to Ashes at Montreux, and also Prince's moving rendition of Purple Rain , a performance so emotionally charged that the room fell silent. Quincy Jones' Trumpet © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Thierry gave some insight into the close relationship Quincy and Prince formed with Claude and Montreux: 'One day Claude was touring Prince in the 1980s, and that's how they met. Many years later Prince called Claude and said he would love to play Montreux. So he came back in 2007, played Montreux and fell in love with the place and the people. He could have been our best Ambassador, unfortunately he passed away – he played six concerts in Montreux. And Quincy Jones our ambassador since 1991 and he passed way last year. So we are really missing these great ambassadors who have passed away.' An upper floor of Claude's chalet contains an open-plan room where his bed is positioned above a seating area, with a huge window overlooking the mountains. Thierry gestured to a large sofa and said it was Quincy's favourite spot to sit, recalling how he and Claude bonded over their love of Crocs. One could sense the ghosts of Quincy, Claude and the other legendary musicians who sat on that sofa after a night of live of music in Montreux, and the jam sessions that took place in the rooms below. Claude Nobs Chalets © Sky Sharrock © Sky Sharrock Looking Ahead to the 60th Anniversary As Claude's memory continues to inspire, his legacy lives on not just in festival lineups, but in mentorship programs, immersive experiences, and a holistic vision of music that spans genre, geography, and generation. Looking ahead to the 60th edition in 2026, the Montreux Jazz Festival will move into a fully redesigned Convention Centre. This transformation will reinvigorate the legendary Stravinski Auditorium and the Jazz Lab, ensuring that Montreux's magic—its potent mix of setting, sound, and soul—remains as vibrant as ever. The Festival That Keeps Reinventing Itself The 59th edition ended on a high note, with powerful performances from both legends and rising stars. From Neil Young to James Blake, from Chaka Khan to Raye, this year's lineup was a bridge between the past and the future. The festival continues to evolve, adapt, and innovate–always true to Claude Nobs' original vision. MJF Raye © Amelie Chatellard © Amelie Chatellard Claude's Spirit Lives On What began as a small jazz event by a railway-loving music promoter in a Swiss lakeside town has become one of the most influential and beloved festivals in the world. Montreux is not merely a destination–it's a feeling, a memory, a soundscape shaped by decades of groundbreaking artistry. As we look forward to Montreux's 60th anniversary, one thing remains clear: Claude Nobs' spirit is as alive as ever–in every note, every train whistle, and every flame of inspiration sparked on the Lake Geneva shoreline.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nick Cannon Says Quincy Jones Predicted He'd ‘Get Tired' of Having Only 2 Kids With Mariah Carey
Before he famously became the father of a dozen children, Nick Cannon was a dad to only the two kids he shares with superstar ex-wife Mariah Carey. But according to the actor, late friend Quincy Jones always knew that more kids were in his future. In a Vulture cover story published Tuesday (July 15), Cannon reflected on a few words of wisdom that the iconic producer passed on to him after they met in 2007 on the set of Nick Cannon's Star Camp, on which Jones served as a mentor. 'He used to talk to me when I only had two kids, and it was just me and Mariah,' began the Masked Singer host, who shares 14-year-old twins Moroccan and Monroe with Carey. More from Billboard 12 Kids and Counting: A Full List of Nick Cannon's Children Max B Squashes Beef With Jim Jones: 'I Want to Start Over' Kapo Shakes Up Latin Albums Charts With 'Por Si Alguien Nos Escucha': 'I Declared That I Was No. 1' 'He's like, 'Yeah, that's light work. You going to get tired of that soon,'' Cannon continued of Jones. 'And I was like, 'What do you mean? … I got an amazing wife who's my dream girl!'' According to the Drumline star, Jones replied, 'I know your kind … You're cut from the same cloth as me.' The 28-time Grammy winner, who had seven kids of his own before dying at the age of 91 last November, would later become something of a blueprint for Cannon. 'People ask, 'Why you got 12 jobs?' Because I've got 12 kids!' Cannon told the publication, citing how Jones reportedly left each of his children large inheritances. 'I was like, 'He did it right.'' Cannon was married to Carey from 2008 to 2016, and they had their son and daughter in 2011. Following their split, the comedian would welcome 10 more kids with five other women. He shares Golden Sagon, Powerful Queen and Rise Messiah with Brittany Bell; Zion Mixolydian, Zillion Heir and Beautiful Zeppelin with Abby De La Rosa; Zen and Halo Marie with Alyssa Scott; Legendary Love with Bre Tiesi; and Onyx Ice with LaNisha Cole. The Wild 'n Out star has since said that he isn't actively looking to father more babies — but, as he told Vulture, 'I never say 'never.'' 'I always say people have so many different opinions about my parenting and who I am as a father, but one thing I know is that whatever my children want to do, I can help cultivate and amplify,' he added to the publication. 'It's maybe not the traditional or conventional way of parenting. Everybody else says, 'There's no way he could spend all the time with them kids and be present for all them kids.' But I'm doing my best, and where I fall short, hopefully the things that I do have that bring me an advantage, I can lend to them.' See Cannon on the cover of Vulture below. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
ABC News
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Jazz Legends: Quincy Jones
If you were to put together a list of jazz's most influential names, then it'd be hard to look past Quincy Jones's contributions. He was a giant of the music industry, with an influence that spanned from the bop era right up to modern music today. This episode was presented by bass player and ABC Jazz host, Eric Ajaye, and written and produced by ABC Jazz producer Henry Rasmussen. It was created by ABC Jazz and originally broadcast on 1 February 2025. Find out more information on Quincy Jones, here. ABC Jazz features a Jazz Legend each month on the radio, with historic moments, significant albums and a full-length feature to immerse into the important history of this music and culture. Hear more Jazz Legends episodes here, including significant artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Quincy Jones, Joni Mitchell, Keith Jarret, Mary Lou Williams and Herbie Hancock.
