Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis Reflect on Their Legacy, Lifelong Partnership and the Song That Means the Most

Legendary songwriting and production duo Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis continue to prove why they remain one of the most influential forces in music. After crafting timeless hits for Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Alexander O'Neal, Cherrelle, New Edition, Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey and countless others, the pair are preparing for another run of their sold-out Las Vegas residency, Nothing But Hits. Despite decades of success, the Grammy-winning hitmakers say their passion for creating music remains as strong as ever.



In a recent interview with Vibe, Jimmy Jam revealed that one particular song stands above the rest in their catalog because of its emotional impact. "It's probably the song we're most happy to be involved with," he said, explaining that fans often tell them it helped them through difficult moments in life. The song also inspired Jam to reconnect with his father, legendary blues musician Cornbread Harris, ultimately leading to the pair collaborating on a book celebrating Harris' life and legacy. Looking back on repairing their relationship, Jam summed up his outlook simply: "Let's move forward."


The duo also reflected on the remarkable chemistry that has kept their creative partnership thriving for more than five decades, noting they have never had an argument. "When you start arguing, somebody has to win, and somebody has to lose," Terry Lewis explained. "Why would I want my partner to lose?" Lewis added that music's true purpose is to evoke every emotion, saying, "If you laugh a little, dance a little, and cry a little, you've had a great day." With 16 Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits, 26 R&B chart-toppers, 100 Gold and Platinum records, five Grammy Awards, and inductions into both the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis continue to set the standard for creative longevity and innovation.

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