The 37th Annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will take place this Saturday in Los Angeles. Inductees are described as being a diverse group who have “each had a profound impact on the sound of youth culture and helped change the course of rock & roll”. The class of 2022 include: Pat Benatar, Duran Duran, Eminem, Eurythmics, Dolly Parton, Lionel Richie, Carly Simon, Judas Priest, and Minneapolis’ own Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. The talented duo is being inducted under the category of Musical Excellence. Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis created a production company, recording studio, and signature sound responsible for making chart-topping hits with artists including Janet and Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey, George Michael, Boyz II Men, Prince, and Mary J. Blige. They are pioneers of smooth and funky synth-laden grooves that helped redefine artists. They have five Grammys and went into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2017.

The duo hopes that their acceptance into the prestigious hall will lead to more songwriting and producing team being inducted. They worry that music production today is often seen like a utility that’s taken for granted. Jimmy Jam misses the days when a record sleeve included information about the music makers, like the name of the engineer and mixer. It’s hard to find credits on streaming sites these days, and the duo think that’s a problem. “What it does is it devalues the music because it communicates the idea that music just comes out of nowhere. It doesn’t come out of nowhere. There’s people in this,” Jam said.

Today, let’s recognize Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ work and the impact they’ve had on music for decades. For today’s 9:30 Coffee Break, what songs do you want to hear to celebrate the songwriting and producing legacy of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis?

Respond with your song ideas in the comments below.

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Songs Played:
Janet Jackson – When I Think of You
New Edition – If It Isn’t Love
Cherrelle – I Didn’t Mean To Turn You On
The Human League – Human
Mary J. Blige – Everything
The Sounds of Blackness – The Pressure Pt. 1
Janet Jackson – Rhythm Nation (Bonus Track!)