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Quincy Jones — The Dude
Produced by Quincy Jones

Although Quincy Jones was in great demand as a producer, he made time to record The Dude which reflected his eclectic musical tastes and assembled an impressive lineup of players. This album features some of the best work by Patti Austin as in Razzamatazz. Making a big time debut is the wonderful voice of James Ingram on Just Once and One Hundred Ways. Other prominent players include Stevie Wonder (keyboards on Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me), Paulinho da Costa (long percussion solo on Ai No Corrida) and the amazing James "Toots" Thielman whose wonderful harmonica and whistling will blow you away on Velas.


More 1981 albums:

Earth, Wind & Fire — Raise!
Produced by Maurice White
One of my favorite EWF albums also features one of my favorite songs of all time -  Let's Groove.

Imagination — Body Talk
Produced by Tony Swain & Steve Jolley
Amazing debut from this British trio. Features Body Talk and Flashback.

Kool & The Gang —Something Special
Produced by Eumir Deodato with Kool & The Gang
Features Get Down On It which was the biggest jam of the year back in Zambia.

George Benson — The Collection
Compilation (various producers)
You've got to have this album which has all his Warner Bros hits until 1981 and his later CTI recordings.  It also contains two new songs: Turn Your Love Around and Never Give Up On A Good Thing

Randy Crawford — Secret Combination
Produced by Tommy Lipuma
Her biggest hit album features Rainy Night In Georgia, You Might Need Somebody and the radio favorite Rio de Janeiro Blue.

Al Jarreau — Breakin’ Away
Produced by Jay Graydon
Superb album from a master musician.  Features We're In This Love Together and Roof Garden.

Chaka Khan — What 'Cha Gonna Do For Me?
Produced by Arif Mardin
My favorite Chaka album includes I Know You, I Live You and a remake of the Beatles' We Can Work It Out.

Lakeside — Your Wish Is My Command
Produced by Lakeside
A party favorite when I was growing up.  We would play the title track over and over again!  Also features Something About That Woman and a remake of the Beatles' I Want To Hold Your Hand.

Patti Austin — Every Home Should Have One
Produced by Quincy Jones
I'm a big fan of Patti Austin and this is her best "pop" album.  Features the duet with James Ingram Baby Come To Me.