Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis are the greatest songwriting/production duo of all time.
They produced classics by Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Alexander O’Neal, Cherrelle, New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Mariah Carey. Showing no signs of slowing down, they are heading out for another run of their sold-out Las Vegas residency, Nothing But Hits.
In a recent interview with Vibe, the duo shared the song that they are most proud of.
“It’s probably the song we’re most happy to be involved with,” Jimmy Jam said. “People always tell us, ‘That song got me through something.’”
Recently, the song inspired Jam to reconnect with his father, Cornbread Harris, a legendary bluesman. They enve teamed up on a book documenting Harris’ life and legacy. Reflecting on the mindset that ultimately mended the rift, Jam shares a simple philosophy: “Let’s move forward.”
In the partnership that has lasted five decades, the two claim they never had an argument.
“When you start arguing, somebody has to win, and somebody has to lose,” Lewis states. “Why would I want my partner to lose?”
Lewis spoke about why he’s still compelled to make music after all their success.
“Music is supposed to make you feel every emotion,” Terry Lewis offers. “If you laugh a little, dance a little, and cry a little, you’ve had a great day.”
JIMMY JAM & TERRY LEWIS’ ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Hailed as architects of “Minneapolis Sound,” Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis have record-breaking 16 Hot 100 number-one hits and 26 R&B chart-toppers. After starting out under Prince’s mentorship in the funk band The Time, they formed Flyte Tyme Productions and reshaped contemporary R&B.
The duo have 100 Gold and Platinum records, five Grammy Awards, and 11 nominations for Producer of the Year. They’ve been inducted into the Songwriters, Rock & Roll Halls of Fame, and remain the ultimate blueprints for creative longevity and sonic innovation.