5 Key Facts About Quincy Jones and Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall Collaboration

They met on the set of The Wiz in 1978. Jones and Jackson worked together on the film adaptation of the Broadway musical.

Jones co-produced Off the Wall with Jackson. This was their first full album collaboration, with Jones bringing his arranging expertise.

The album marked Jackson’s move away from Motown. It gave him creative control and a more adult, disco-influenced sound.

Off the Wall was a critical and commercial breakthrough. It earned Jackson his first Grammy and sold over 20 million copies worldwide.

Their partnership set the stage for Thriller. The success of Off the Wall led directly to their even bigger follow-up album.