Podcast Summary: Jimmy Jam on Prince, Janet, and a Nation Finding Its Rhythm

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Best People with Nicolle Wallace
• Host/Author: MSNBC
• Episode: Jimmy Jam on Prince, Janet, and a Nation Finding Its Rhythm
• Release Date: July 14, 2025

Introduction: The Power of Music

The episode opens with an introduction by Nicole Wallace, who highlights Jimmy Jam’s illustrious career in music production, his collaborations with Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson, and his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Jam is portrayed not just as a music legend but as a beacon of wisdom and creativity.

Memories and Music’s Impact

Nicole Wallace delves into the profound connection between music and memory, prompting Jimmy Jam to elaborate on how music serves as a powerful tool for recalling vivid memories.

Nicole Wallace [01:07]: "Your point about memory is that you can ask someone what they were doing 20 years ago and they may be able to piece it together, but you play a song from 20 years ago and they remember what rooms they were standing in. It gives me chills. Say more."

Jimmy Jam [01:19]: "You remember everything. You remember the smells in the air, the temperature. It brings everything back to life. And that kind of means that music is the thing that opens that back up, that unlocks that, the things that you have forgotten about."

Jam emphasizes that music transcends mere auditory experience, acting as a conduit to relive moments and emotions long past.

Collaborative Beginnings: Connecting Nicole Wallace and Jimmy Jam

Nicole shares the story of how she connected with Jimmy Jam through a project aimed at creating a "We Are the World" for Ukraine, emphasizing the mutual respect and shared belief in music’s transformative power.

Nicole Wallace [02:14]: "I knew about you. I knew Prince, I knew Janet Jackson... Our first conversation always stuck with me. We talked about the power of music to change the world. And I know you really believe that."

Music as a Unifying Force

Jimmy Jam reflects on music’s unique ability to bridge social and cultural divides, especially highlighted during the pandemic era.

Jimmy Jam [03:07]: "Music, if the zoom screen was the quilt, if you will, of differences, music was the thread of our commonality... It didn't matter what language you spoke. It didn't matter if you were black, white, straight, gay, Democrat, Republican. All of that went out the window for that moment."

He describes music as the "divine art" that not only evokes nostalgia but also maintains societal sanity amidst divisiveness.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Personal Connections

Nicole reminisces about attending Jimmy Jam’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, illustrating the deep personal and professional connections they share.

Nicole Wallace [04:31]: "I went and took my picture in front of your section with Terry, and I was so proud."

Nuance in Politics and Communication

The conversation shifts to the current political climate, where Jimmy Jam advocates for seeking understanding and nuance rather than succumbing to polarized reactions.

Jimmy Jam [06:43]: "What we lose sometimes is the nuance of things... maybe take just a moment just to pause on it and try to determine why is someone saying that... let's find out why they have that point of view."

This perspective underscores his commitment to positivity and constructive dialogue.

Roots of Positivity: Upbringing and Forgiveness

Jimmy Jam attributes his positive outlook to his upbringing, emphasizing the golden rule and the power of forgiveness.

Jimmy Jam [08:34]: "My mom was the golden rule... treat people how you want to be treated... I really believe in the power of forgiveness and in putting rather than harboring on why things happened in a negative way."

He highlights his gratitude for his career and personal life, noting the importance of being intentional in creative endeavors to foster healing and unity.

Early Musical Influences: Meeting Prince

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Jimmy Jam’s formative experiences with Prince during their junior high years, illustrating Prince's exceptional talent and work ethic.

Jimmy Jam [11:56]: "Prince... you could feel, at least I could just feel the greatness of him. Even at that point, there was nobody like him."

Jam recounts Prince’s dedication, such as rehearsing the band for six hours and producing songs overnight, which profoundly influenced Jam’s own work ethic.

Collaboration with Janet Jackson: Shaping an Era

Nicole references a story about Jimmy Jam’s collaboration with Janet Jackson during a vulnerable period in her career, leading to the creation of iconic songs like "Control" and "Nasty."

Jimmy Jam [18:28]: "When she saw the opening lines to Control... she said, 'oh, my God. She said, that's what we're going to write about.'"

This collaboration emphasized giving artists their unique sound and encouraging creative freedom, resulting in transformative music that resonated deeply with audiences.

Minneapolis: The Creative Hub

The conversation touches on Minneapolis’s role as a nurturing ground for creativity and its subtle challenges with polite racism, which Jimmy Jam navigated with awareness and resilience.

Jimmy Jam [31:53]: "Minneapolis was a great environment to grow up in... it was also a very polite society. They call it Minnesota Nice."

He discusses how the local music scene provided opportunities while acknowledging and addressing underlying racial tensions.

Leadership and Industry Influence

Jimmy Jam elaborates on his roles beyond music production, including his leadership positions within the Recording Academy and involvement in initiatives like the Grammys and the Grammy Museum.

Jimmy Jam [39:27]: "Clarence Avon, the Black Godfather... he planted those seeds in us... now I'm the chairman of the Grammys."

He emphasizes the importance of giving back to the music community, advocating for music as a universal language that can drive social change and support relief efforts.

Longevity and Legacy

Discussing the concept of transitioning from being "old" to becoming an "icon," Jimmy Jam shares insights on maintaining relevance and leaving a lasting legacy in the music industry.

Jimmy Jam [45:46]: "We made it through old, and now we're in a position to tell some great stories and to really leave music in a better place, which is our ultimate goal."

This philosophy underscores his commitment to enduring impact and continual contribution to the cultural landscape.

Defining Moments: Favorite Works

When asked about his favorite projects, Jimmy Jam highlights "Optimistic" by Sounds of Blackness and "Open My Heart" by Yolanda Adams, both of which hold personal and professional significance.

Jimmy Jam [47:54]: "If there was a time capsule... our number one song will be 'Optimistic' by the Sounds of Blackness... and 'Open My Heart' by Yolanda Adams."

These tracks exemplify his belief in music’s ability to inspire and evoke deep emotional responses.

Conclusion: The Enduring Bond of Music

Nicole Wallace concludes the interview by expressing admiration for Jimmy Jam’s influence and their shared bond through music.

Nicole Wallace [50:34]: "You're the best and above everything else, you're so cool and you're so current... Thank you for being my friend."

Jimmy Jam reciprocates the sentiment, reaffirming the foundational role of music in their relationship and his ongoing dedication to fostering meaningful connections through his work.

Key Takeaways:

• Music as a Unifier: Jimmy Jam emphasizes music’s unparalleled ability to bridge social, cultural, and personal divides, fostering unity and shared experiences.

• Legacy and Leadership: Beyond production, Jam is committed to shaping the music industry through leadership roles, aiming to support and inspire future generations.

• Resilience and Positivity: Rooted in his upbringing, Jam’s approach to challenges involves empathy, understanding, and a steadfast positive outlook, advocating for constructive dialogue in divisive times.

• Enduring Collaborations: His collaborations with legends like Prince and Janet Jackson are highlighted as pivotal moments that shaped his career and contributed significantly to music history.

• Passion for Giving Back: Jam’s dedication to giving back to the music community through various initiatives underscores his belief in music as a powerful tool for social change and personal healing.

Notable Quotes:

• On Music and Memory:

  "Music is the thing that opens that back up, that unlocks that, the things that you have forgotten about."
  — Jimmy Jam [01:19]

• On Positivity and Leadership:

  "I believe in the power of forgiveness and in putting rather than harboring on why things happened in a negative way."
  — Jimmy Jam [08:34]

• On Legacy:

  "We made it through old, and now we're in a position to tell some great stories and to really leave music in a better place, which is our ultimate goal."
  — Jimmy Jam [45:46]

• On Collaboration with Janet Jackson:

  "Janet, she was the greatest."
  — Jimmy Jam [18:28]

This episode offers an in-depth look into Jimmy Jam’s profound impact on the music industry, his enduring collaborations, and his philosophy on music’s role in society. For those unfamiliar with the episode, it presents a compelling narrative of creativity, resilience, and the unifying power of music.