Jimmy Jam And Terry Lewis

James Samuel “Jimmy Jam” Harris III, born June 6, 1959, and Terry Steven Lewis, born November 24, 1956, are American R&B/pop songwriting and record production partners. Their collaboration began during their time in the band Flyte Tyme, which later became The Time under Prince’s restructuring in 1981. Even while performing with The Time, the duo began exploring production, which led to their departure from the group due to a conflict with Prince stemming from a production engagement in Atlanta. This turning point proved significant, as one of their Atlanta productions, “Just Be Good to Me” for The S.O.S. Band, became a hit and laid the groundwork for their independent production career.

In 1982, Jam and Lewis established Flyte Tyme Productions. Their early work included producing for artists such as Cherrelle, Alexander O’Neal, and Change. A major breakthrough occurred in 1986 with Janet Jackson’s album *Control*, for which they won a Grammy Award. This successful collaboration continued with *Rhythm Nation 1814* in 1989, featuring multiple number-one hits and solidifying their reputation. Their influence expanded with the founding of their record label, Perspective Records, in 1991, which fostered artists like Sounds of Blackness and Mint Condition. Their productions are noted for early use of the Roland TR-808 drum machine, contributing to their distinctive sound.

Over their extensive career, Jam and Lewis have achieved widespread commercial success, amassing over 100 gold, platinum, multi-platinum, and diamond certifications across numerous artists. They have produced 16 *Billboard* Hot 100 No. 1 hits and 26 *Billboard* R&B No. 1 hits, distinguishing them as producers with number-one records in three consecutive decades: the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Their enduring impact on music was recognized with their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the Musical Excellence category in 2022.