This weekend, it has been hard to go anywhere without hearing talk about the life and death of Michael Jackson. While driving in the car listening to KTAR yesterday I heard two radio personalities, who had met, him recapping his life. They told a story that all of us can take heed of – whether you are a Michael Jackson fan or not.
The story went like this…
During the production of Thriller, Jackson’s sixth album and the best-selling album of all time, Jackson had just finished recording the ninth and final song. The record’s producer, Quincy Jones, reportedly asked Michael this question.
Of all the songs, which are your least favorite three?
Jackson told him three songs and Quincy Jones replied –
“Let’s re-do them. ”
and they did. That album made recording history. In today’s age of iTunes and downloads, it is unlikely it will ever lose its place as the top selling album of all time.
What an incredibly valuable lesson. How often have we embarked on a project and judged it finished without taking one last objective look at what we have created. Do we make the time to move forward towards creative perfection?
I think, the next time I have an important project finished, I will remember this story and follow Quincy Jones’ advice.
How about you?
Thanks for stopping by. Stay tuned…
Joan Koerber-Walker