Jimmy Jam: Drum Machines, Synths, Tape to Digital, AI & the Future of Music (Plus MJ, Janet, Prince) #94
Episode Summary
In this special live episode of Go With Elmo, host Elmo Lovano sits down with legendary producer Jimmy Jam at the Abundance Institute’s Creative Frontiers event to explore the seismic shifts in music technology across the past five decades. From the birthplace of drum machines and synthesizers to the arrival of digital recording, sampling, and now AI, Jimmy Jam shares insider stories, personal philosophies, and candid perspectives on how these technological jumps have reshaped both production and the entire music culture. Along the way, listeners are treated to anecdotes involving icons like Prince, Michael Jackson, and Janet Jackson, while timely reflections on AI and the future of music round out an insightful, forward-thinking conversation.
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About the Guest: Jimmy Jam
Few producers embody the evolution of modern recording like Jimmy Jam. As one half of the legendary Jam & Lewis duo, he’s racked up Grammy wins, Songwriter Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame honors, and countless chart-topping hits across R&B, pop, and dance genres. Known for his human touch within machine-driven music, Jimmy Jam’s innovative approach to synths, drum machines, and studio technology has left a permanent mark on how records are made—and felt. Having worked with everyone from Prince and the SOS Band to Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson, Jam’s perspective on change, creativity, and adaptation remains invaluable.
Major Points & Highlights
The Technological Waves that Changed Music
Elmo Lovano sets the stage by asking Jimmy Jam to reflect on each major leap in recording technology, noting how every new tool—from analog tape to MIDI, drum machines, sampling, and digital audio workstations—has sparked both excitement and fear. Jimmy Jam’s personal journey runs parallel to these developments, revealing how innovation often comes paired with cultural skepticism.
Drum Machines & Synths: Revolution and Fear
The episode dives deep into the history of drum machines, starting with the Roland TR-808 and Oberheim synths that powered Jimmy Jam’s breakout hit “Just Be Good to Me” with the SOS Band. The Minneapolis music scene, under Prince’s influence, pushed boundaries with devices like the LM1 and unique approaches to sound. Jimmy Jam recalls how some musicians—especially drummers—feared these machines would replace them, while others saw opportunity: “It’s either going to put you out of business or it’s going to give you a lot of business…You have the advantage if you’re a drummer,” he notes.
Key Takeaway: Embrace new tools as a way to expand your artistry, not shrink it.
The Culture of Competition & Sonic Identity
Interesting stories emerge about producers competing to craft distinctive drum sounds with each new machine, as the limited presets and sonic palette encouraged creativity. Jimmy Jam describes hacking together keytars, swapping out chips for varied sounds, and how the technology available in Minneapolis shaped their unique approach.
Synthesizers and Innovation
The episode touches on the moment when the UK Musicians Union tried to ban synthesizers in 1982, sparking debates about tradition versus progress. Jimmy Jam deflates the argument—“Beethoven didn’t use a synthesizer but he didn’t have one!”—underscoring the idea that innovators will always use what’s available to them.
Analog to Digital: Riding the Transformation
Tape, Distortion, and the Human Touch
The analog era gave a distinctive warmth and punch to records. Jimmy Jam shares production secrets from working with Prince and the meticulous vibe behind albums like Janet Jackson’s “Control”—including recording vocals in the red for maximum energy and sonic impact.
Transition to Digital Recording & DAWs
Jimmy Jam details the gradual shift from analog tape to digital machines, and eventually to Pro Tools and Logic. This wasn’t without skepticism—he admits initial doubts that digital would take over, but credits his partner Terry Lewis for staying ahead of the curve. He also explains their practical studio innovations, like shared equipment and early stem separation, illustrating how adaptability is as much about workflow as it is about gear.
Sampling: Creativity, Controversy, and Credit
Sampling’s arrival was met with resistance, but Jimmy Jam embraced it as a creative tool to bridge generations and honor musical influences. He shares anecdotes about clearing samples with legends like James Brown and Joni Mitchell, and reflects on how the Grammy process slowly came to accept sampled music as legitimate songwriting. The stories highlight the importance of both creative freedom and ethical compensation: “You want to reward creativity…make sure the people get the credit and compensation for it.”
Iconic Collaborations with Janet & Michael Jackson
The podcast offers behind-the-scenes stories from legendary sessions:
Janet Jackson’s “Control”:
Jimmy Jamrecounts helping Janet find her confidence and voice by making aggressive, attitude-driven tracks and fostering trust in the studio—leading to magic on songs like “Nasty” and “What Have You Done For Me Lately.”
Michael Jackson’s “Scream”: The most impactful studio session, where Michael’s explosive energy on first takes stunned everyone, and Janet’s humility kept the sibling synergy strong.
Both anecdotes reveal Jimmy Jam’s ethos of putting the artist first and making technology serve the music—not the other way around.
AI and the Future: What’s Next for Music Producers?
The final segment turns to AI—the latest chapter in technological transformation. Elmo Lovano asks how AI might change the role of producer. Jimmy Jam sees parallels between past innovations and today’s landscape, emphasizing the importance of ethics (permission and compensation) and using AI as a tool, not a replacement for artistry. He draws an analogy to microwave popcorn: convenience is great, but people crave authentic, “real” experiences—suggesting that while AI will be integrated, the hunger for human artistry will persist.
Jimmy Jam also advocates for continued learning and self-policing: “Don’t wait for change—prepare for it. Get on the train, or get run over by it.”
Final Thoughts: Embracing Change Without Losing Yourself
The episode is both a history lesson and a call to action for today’s musicians, producers, and fans. Jimmy Jam shows that every technological leap—no matter how daunting at first—eventually becomes part of the creative toolkit. The secret is balancing innovation with respect for artistry and personal integrity.
For anyone in music, Go With Elmo Episode 94 is a masterclass in adapting, learning, and thriving—whether you’re navigating drum machines, sampling debates, digital DAWs, or the brave new world of AI.
Recommended Listen:
Stream this episode for the full range of stories, specifics, and wisdom, especially if you want to hear candid recollections involving Michael, Janet, Prince, and real advice on navigating the future of music production.
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