Joe 'Quincy Jones Knows Better': Jackson Responds to Jones's Claims Against Michael Jackson
Michael Jackson’s father, Joe Jackson, came to his rescue in efforts to clear the late King of Pop’s name. Michael’s former mentor, Quincy Jones, named Michael in his long list of Hollywood secrets he revealed about the biggest and most famous singers.
Joe Jackson's Old-School Response
Joe kept his response simple when asked about Jones’ accusations against Michael.
“I raised Michael. [He’s] my son," said Joe. "Quincy Jones knows better.”
Jones had accused Michael of stealing some of his biggest hit songs during an interview with Vulture. One of those songs was Billie Jean. Joe nodded in agreement when asked if he believed Michael was the brains behind the hit.
Still, Jones had a different take when it came to who the song really belonged to.
“I hate to get into this publicly, but Michael stole a lot of stuff. He stole a lot of songs. [Donna Summer’s] ‘State of Independence’ and ‘Billie Jean.’ The notes don’t lie man,” said Jones. “He was as Machiavellian as they come. Greedy, man. Greedy. ‘Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough’ – Greg Phillinganes wrote the c section. Michael should’ve given him 10 percent of the song. Wouldn’t do it.”
Did MJ Really Take Billie Jean Though?
Interestingly enough, Jones isn’t the only one accusing Michael of stealing the hit Billie Jean. Michael’s former brother-in-law, Jeffre Phillips, who was previously married to his sister La Toya, also made claims that Billie Jean was not originally Michael’s song. In fact, he said the late singer Rick James made his own statement that the song was his.
Apparently, Michael contacted James to inform him how much he loved his album at the time. He told James he wanted to visit him in the studio to observe his skills and work ethic. Phillips added that James became privy to Michael’s alleged steal after the Thriller album was released and featured Billie Jean.
“Rick knew right away. He confronted Michael about it at an awards show – and Michael just laughed and said, ‘Good to see you, Rick.’”
Phillips added that despite Michael’s reported move, James wasn’t angry about it. He decided not to take legal action because he was a fan of Michael’s and his brothers.
Phillips said James took a different approach when MC Hammer used "Super Freak" for his hit "U Can’t Touch This."
Word was he wanted to sue Hammer and his team as soon as he heard the single come on the radio back in the '90s.
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