Quincy Jones Was Not Always Comfortable Working With Michael Jackson

Quincy Jones worked with some of the world’s most famous musicians and entertainers, including the King of Pop Michael Jackson. The late producer—who died a week ago at his Bel Air residence in Los Angeles—worked with Jackson on three hit albums.

Despite making musical magic together with Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, Quincy did not like working with Jackson for one reason. He admitted that their studio sessions were light-hearted and fun, as he always made the atmosphere as relaxing as possible—but Jackson got too comfortable.

What did Quincy Jones hate about working with Michael Jackson?

Having Jackson over at the studio meant hosting some animals, including his pet snake Muscles, and Quincy was uncomfortable with that. The singer would often bring these creatures and leave them to roam the room comfortably, sometimes bothering Quincy.

Quincy once recalled the one time Muscles wrapped itself around his leg, and how the snake would crawl on the console, terrifying him. Jackson’s chimpanzee Bubbles once bit Quincy’s daughter Rashida on the finger too. She still has the scar, which she showed off during a July episode of TODAY with Jenna and Hoda.

Quincy Jones enjoyed collaborating with Michael Jackson

Aside from having to tolerate his bothersome animals, Quincy had no problems working with Jackson, who died of cardiac arrest in 2009. After the Pop legend’s death, he released a statement tagging him as an ‘80s phenomenon, and the biggest entertainer on the planet.

They first met on the set of The Wiz; Jackson was 12 at the time but witty for his age. Their work relationship began shortly after their initial meeting at Rat Pack icon Sammy Davis Jr’s houses, where Jackson said he was seeking a producer for his debut album. Together, they made Off the Wall in 1979, featuring evergreen hits like “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”