How does it feel to work with Quincy Jones, one of the greatest music producers of the 20th century, who recently passed away at the age of 91? What advice did he give during recording sessions, and how did he interact with stars and newcomers alike? The acclaimed Greek singer Nana Mouskouri, who collaborated with him at the start of her international career, shares vivid memories of a remarkable figure who shaped global music for decades.

A Chance Encounter at the Barcelona Festival

In 1960, Quincy Jones first heard the young Greek singer Nana Mouskouri at the Barcelona Festival, where she won the grand prize with Wake Up, My Love, a song by Kostas Giannidis. Struck by the unique quality of her voice, he invited her to the U.S. two years later to record her first American album under his guidance. In the meantime, Mouskouri gained further European fame with Whistle Three Times, a piece by Manos Hatzidakis for the German documentary Greece, the Land of Dreams. The song was released in both German and English, introducing her voice to audiences worldwide.

Arrival in New York: “Take it Easy, Baby”

In June 1962, Mouskouri embarked on her first trip to America to record in New York. She recalls three prominent industry figures who supported her U.S. debut album: Irving Green, President of Mercury; Louis Hazan, Director of Fontana France; and, of course, Quincy Jones, the Artistic Director at Mercury Records.

Although eager to start recording, she had to wait for 20 days, a period during which she explored New York and immersed herself in the city’s music culture. She recalls wandering Harlem’s nightclubs and experiencing live performances from her musical idols, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Miles Davis. “When I asked Quincy when I would finally sing, he’d say, ‘Take it easy, baby, you’re in the Big Apple. Have fun and learn!’ He was right; it was an incredible experience to listen to the music that had inspired me so deeply,” Mouskouri recalls.

Recording in the Legendary Studio at 42nd Street and Broadway

At last, in the fourth week, Mouskouri stepped into the iconic studio on 42nd Street and Broadway, the same place where so many legendary artists had recorded. Waiting for her were five masterful musicians, and behind the controls was Phil Ramone, later known for working with stars like Frank Sinatra and Barbra Streisand.

For the 28-year-old singer, time seemed to stand still as she gave everything to live up to the expectations of the musical legends around her. “I spent incredibly creative days in the studio, singing for 12 hours straight, then grabbing a burger and heading to bed to rest my voice,” she recounts. Jones led the session with tireless dedication, working alongside her until the early hours.

A Vital Piece of Advice and a Reassuring Promise

Quincy Jones offered Mouskouri critical guidance on her pronunciation, saying, “Only when you sing the language correctly does the true emotion come through.” This advice helped her connect with the English lyrics authentically. Jones’s encouragement eased her anxieties, promising that if any adjustments were needed, he would fly to Paris to make them with her. True to his word, about a month later, he traveled to Paris, and they made a few final adjustments. “He was so enthusiastic that it lifted everyone’s spirits. It was rare to see a producer showing such joy from a job well done,” she recalls fondly.

A Lasting Legacy and Lifelong Friendship

The album, titled The Girl from Greece Sings, initially released in the U.S., and later in Europe under the name Nana Mouskouri in New York, featured twelve American standards, including Love Me or Leave Me, No Moon at All, and Till There Was You. This project became a cornerstone in Mouskouri’s extraordinary career.

Fifty-four years after its original release, the album was reissued on vinyl in 2016, rekindling memories for older fans and introducing younger listeners to a unique chapter in music history. Mouskouri and Jones remained close friends over the years, with each meeting sparking memories of those formative days and their treasured friendship.