The Wiz

Quincy Jones produced this 1978 soundtrack for Sidney Lumet's film adaptation of the Broadway musical The Wiz, shifting the classic story from Kansas to an urban Harlem setting. The album features re-recorded performances by the all-Black cast, including Diana Ross as Dorothy and Michael Jackson as the Scarecrow. While it adapts Charlie Smalls' original score, the record introduces new material composed specifically for the screen by Ashford & Simpson and Anthony Jackson. Differences between the audio tracks and the movie cut include a missing line in "A Brand New Day" performed by Jackson and a removed scat section for Nipsey Russell.

This project marked the first collaboration between Jones and Jackson, a partnership that would soon dominate pop music with Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. The recording blends disco, soul, rock, and gospel elements into a distinct sound that set it apart from its stage predecessor. Despite mixed reviews for the film itself, the album achieved significant commercial success, peaking at number 11 on the US Billboard 200 and earning a Gold certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. [edit]