Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis have spent over four decades creating the soundtrack to people’s lives; it’s easy to forget they’ve been living one of the most remarkable stories in music.
The architects behind classics from Janet Jackson, Sounds of Blackness, Alexander O’Neal, Cherrelle, New Edition, Boys II Men, Mariah Carey and countless others aren’t slowing down. In fact, they’re preparing for another run of their sold-out Las Vegas residency, Nothing But Hits, while continuing to collect the kind of honors reserved for true music royalty.
But while sitting with the legendary duo in New York City, the conversation quickly moved beyond plaques, charts, and Hall of Fame recognition. It became something much deeper.
“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.”
That philosophy explains why Jam and Lewis’ catalog has endured for more than 40 years. Their records weren’t built for trends. They were built for moments. Weddings. Graduations. Heartbreak. Family reunions. Funerals. Cookouts. First loves. Last dances. For Jimmy Jam, few songs embody that purpose more than Sounds of Blackness’ “Optimistic.”
