Bill Wolfer-The Man Behind MJ’s “Billie Jean” CS-80

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ABOUT THIS VIDEO
Bill Wolfer has referred to himself as "the least famous musician that everyone has heard play". He was a rising star in 80's Soul Music working with Stevie Wonder, Shalamar, Vanity, Dynasty and was responsible for programming and performing the iconic CS-80 synthesizer chord riff on Michael Jackson's biggest song "Billie Jean". Michael remembered a CS-80 sound he heard Bill play while they were on tour together and the rest is history.
This video provides a rare behind the scenes look at Michael Jackson's creative process while composing "Billy Jean" all the way through a detailed account of the final recording session at Westlake Studios. We discuss what it was like to work closely with producer Quincy Jones, engineer Bruce Swedien and of course Michael.
Bill was a trusted friend of Michael, someone that he could rely upon to develop his 3 original songs for the Thriller album - "Billy Jean". "Beat" It", and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin’”. Bill helped Michael feel comfortable working out musical ideas and played an important role getting Michael's original songs ready for the album.
He also put together a truly great unlikely hit solo album in the vein of Quincy Jones' The Dude. The lineup of musicians include mega-stars Stevie Wonder (harmonica solo), Michael Jackson (backing vocals on two cuts), Finis Henderson (vocals) and Gospel star Jon Gibson.
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ABOUT ANTHONY
Anthony's musical touch as both composer and performer is connected with some of the most influential creative minds over the last 40 years. He’s composed and conducted original orchestral scores for over 80 feature films including Young Guns , Internal Affairs , The Man From Elysian Fields , 15 Minutes and Planes, Trains & Automobiles , been commissioned by the Los Angeles Philharmonic for his symphonic work "In the Family Way", written over one thousand TV commercials in a myriad of musical styles, co-founded Levels Audio Post (LA's premiere post production facility) and performed and arranged on big-box-office films and influential hit records such as Michael Jackson's Thriller .
His extensive work as a young arranger, orchestrator and performer for Quincy Jones , Jack Nitzsche , Lamont Dozier , Arthur Rubenstein and Giorgio Moroder was vital in launching his own career. His early years pioneering modular analog synthesizers along with his wide-ranging music scholarship positioned Anthony at the center of the music technology revolution. He attended the University of Southern California School of Music as a piano and composition major.
Website - www.anthonymarinellimusic.com
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Пікірлер: 179

  • @billwolfer4020
    @billwolfer40206 ай бұрын

    Nicely done, Anthony! Thanks for inviting me. It was big fun!

  • @jangayen

    @jangayen

    6 ай бұрын

    Thank you both so much for another amazing story, revealing the mystery of this rather “contemporary” but yet genius sound. I have wondered what synth was used and the exact knob/slider settings on that synth, now is a bit closer🤔😀 Is it possible to show a picture of Bill’s settings on the CS-80 or perhaps a recreation on Arturia CS-80 V posted🙏😎

  • @djthatguysmitty

    @djthatguysmitty

    5 ай бұрын

    I still rock the Wolf album on vinyl on the regular! It’s a true masterpiece!💯🤌🏾🔥🪩

  • @nahigruv

    @nahigruv

    5 ай бұрын

    Still listen to and tell people, other musicians, folks who come to our shows, about your album and am learning a couple to perform live...

  • @saintkevinofficial

    @saintkevinofficial

    3 ай бұрын

    The Great Bill Wolfer! We are blessed to still have you Sir. Hope you are well :)

  • @SchoolofRockNRoll

    @SchoolofRockNRoll

    3 ай бұрын

    thanks for explaining the concept of "flying" haha i was lost on that one

  • @adrianopastore77
    @adrianopastore774 ай бұрын

    Dear Anthony, with this KZread channel you are leaving a great legacy. Thanks.

  • @DanielGBenesScienceShows
    @DanielGBenesScienceShows6 ай бұрын

    Another fantastic interview! We are so lucky to have these!

  • @Jamlmx73
    @Jamlmx736 ай бұрын

    This is what Thriller40 should have been. As usual the estate had no idea. Brilliant. Thank you

  • @jeanettevuong
    @jeanettevuong6 ай бұрын

    Nothing better than a CS80 story! I would have happily spent the extra 20 minutes watching Bill programme this sound. Thanks for making this 🙏

  • @dissident4117
    @dissident41176 ай бұрын

    Bill has a rare good: Modesty- Something that nearly got lost nowadays. Thanks for this great interview.

  • @danielkannan6246
    @danielkannan62466 ай бұрын

    Generations to come will study the genius & work ethic of all of you … Thank you again Anthony, Bill everyone else … Thriller is HiStory…

  • @alexmata196
    @alexmata1966 ай бұрын

    That bass and synth really gave Micheal that spark which made him move to the beat and created an lfo like sound with his voice which just makes you want to move with it.

  • @moogfooger
    @moogfooger6 ай бұрын

    the best there is on KZread. Anthony you are golden. Cheers

  • @peverilngehngeh8536
    @peverilngehngeh85366 ай бұрын

    Thanks for letting us see all those who contributed in making the thriller album great.

  • @mickec5245
    @mickec52456 ай бұрын

    A favorite piece of music history becomes more and more complete and exciting each time you release an episode. Thanks to you and your talented guests

  • @basicsforbaroqueimprovisation
    @basicsforbaroqueimprovisation6 ай бұрын

    Thank you Anthony and Bill ! What a deep and interesting episode. Anthony it's great to have you as the host. Your questions and elaborations lend so much clarity to these discussions. I can see clearly that you are delighted to explore these topics and interact with the musicians that made these epic tracks. With Gratitude - John

  • @MaxFury_Official
    @MaxFury_Official6 ай бұрын

    Haha, he's right. I've seen him play now aswell, that's great. Such a good yet easy chord hook

  • @12handzG
    @12handzG6 ай бұрын

    Those who bought the "Wolfer" album knows this great musician.😉

  • @sheffsound

    @sheffsound

    6 ай бұрын

    Some great songs on that!

  • @Don_Kikkon
    @Don_Kikkon5 ай бұрын

    God I love this channel. Genuine, super talented, lovely folk, who just happen to be music legends. Sharing their historic processes for us with humility, grace and good humor. These choons will put child-like smiles on grown-up faces as long as the universe has ears. Infinite thanks.

  • @johnwilliams-ih3pv
    @johnwilliams-ih3pv6 ай бұрын

    I thought it was strange that bill wolfer wasn’t mentioned in your billie jean intro video Great to see him 🫡

  • @W1llyummy
    @W1llyummy24 күн бұрын

    Thank you for explaining to a 22-year-old who uses Garageband as a DAW what a 12-track was. I was today years old when I found out.

  • @chasjazzz
    @chasjazzz6 ай бұрын

    Way to get the Legendary Bill. I love his album back in the ‘80 with Jon Gibson “Wake up”. Still Love it to this day. MJ did backgrounds in the last track if that album. Love this channel!!

  • @robw3000
    @robw30006 ай бұрын

    I was 14 years old when this came out. I was al about the music, didn't have time to watch TV and seen the clip years after the release. The sounds of the track where so new and rich and full. Love to see who created this sounds. It always gives me a smile and good feeling when I play my 12"versions of that album. Keep those video's coming!

  • @artsolomon202
    @artsolomon2026 ай бұрын

    2 legends in 1 room, thank you both forever inspirational.❤

  • @frankf.6639
    @frankf.66393 ай бұрын

    I listen to the Wolf album since 1982…this guy is terrific, respect.

  • @tyler_
    @tyler_6 ай бұрын

    I am a big fan of vintage recording gear and was lucky enough to find some classic items before prices went through the roof. I am fairly knowledgeable on the subject of vintage synthesizers and drum machines. I know the fine details even though it’s rather meaningless. I know a LinnDrum is NOT an LM-2. I know that my Prophet 5 is a rev 3.2 etc… Most musicians that used these things when they were hot and new saw them simply as tools. The names were forgettable and they might track with whatever was rented out for the session that day. That’s why it is nice to hear a guy like Bill talk about specific machines like the Linn LM-1 or CS-80 and could even remember that he got the inspiration from a Stevie Wonder song. I really can’t get enough of this channel and I believe every musician could really take something from these videos. I hope to support Anthony’s channel as much as I possibly can.

  • @Rondo2ooo
    @Rondo2ooo5 ай бұрын

    Your channel has been such an addition to great music channels, especially for us synth geeks. There's still so much to learn and discover, even after many years. I love it!

  • @ThisIsWEB
    @ThisIsWEB6 ай бұрын

    Perfectly timed upload! I was running out of Billie Jean deep analysis content to listen to. I'm not even joking! This arrived right on time, and it was great! Thanks!

  • @sheffsound
    @sheffsound6 ай бұрын

    Bill's own album from 82 or 3 has some GREAT tracks on, he was not just a great collaborator. I play them out now!

  • @oupahens9219
    @oupahens92193 ай бұрын

    Bill Wolf is actually very cool. I like his approach and search for "that" sound as well. He is a researcher, probably all his life. He respects other people. A great man.

  • @poofygoof
    @poofygoof6 ай бұрын

    "if they didn't want it, nothing but kindness, and they moved on." -- words to live by.

  • @WoodyPianoShack
    @WoodyPianoShack6 ай бұрын

    wow, youtube needs a 100x like button for videos like this! what a pleasure to listen to you both.

  • @unfrostedpoptart
    @unfrostedpoptart5 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much for this video. Bill is a great guy and I actually met him while fixing his CS80 a couple of times! Also, about a year ago, he had me restore his 50-year-old Minimoog. It's great working on these classic, old keyboards that were built like tanks so they can last for many decades!

  • @sal6587
    @sal65876 ай бұрын

    Thank you Bill and Anthony for this great content

  • @swanofnutella4734

    @swanofnutella4734

    6 ай бұрын

    And Anthony's team!

  • @harveyspecter1653
    @harveyspecter16533 ай бұрын

    Absolutely loved this interview. Bill is such a sweet guy. It's funny how things get together. Keep it simple often works best.

  • @WoodworkerDon
    @WoodworkerDon6 ай бұрын

    Best storytelling videos I can think of. Any genre. Not just music. 👌🎵👏

  • @MrMusic-nd5to
    @MrMusic-nd5to6 ай бұрын

    Documenting music history... thanks Anthony!!!! 🎹

  • @blueg8731
    @blueg87316 ай бұрын

    Hearing you talk about those wonderful days, I wish we could all just go back in time and be there once again. I remember loving the early eighties so much, and now they're getting more beautiful in today's era of lazy app users and a general lack of creativity. Thank you for this wonderful video. You two were and are the real deal.

  • @groovindj
    @groovindj6 ай бұрын

    I know who Bill is! I bought his Wolf album in 1982 that contained his take on Papa Was A Rolling Stone.

  • @Keyboardnut99
    @Keyboardnut996 ай бұрын

    Priceless interview never heard of this guy what a legend

  • @fffUUUUUU
    @fffUUUUUU6 ай бұрын

    Bill and Anthony, thank you gentlemen! Watching these videos is like watching a mosaic of the masterpiece being brought to life before my eyes, piece by piece.

  • @SantiagOnline
    @SantiagOnline6 ай бұрын

    thanks for showing us to the musicians behind these great songs Anthony

  • @implayingsomebass4753
    @implayingsomebass47533 ай бұрын

    Anthony, I can't get enough of these videos! This is such an amazing experience as a viewer to see and hear how these classic songs were put together.

  • @robertj.batista
    @robertj.batista6 ай бұрын

    You are amazing Bill. I knew who you were. You appear in the credits. Thanks for clarifying about Michael. He was a great musician and composer. I like to hear who is behind each instrument and how MJ wrote and came up with his songs.

  • @DABUAS69
    @DABUAS696 ай бұрын

    Incredible story! I visited Westlake many years later when my buddy Roly Garbalosa worked there and we would meet for lunch. I remember seeing the Thriller album on the wall. Amazing stuff!!

  • @Gerald_Daniel
    @Gerald_Daniel6 ай бұрын

    Again a memorable, heartwarming, partly amusing (candy koma) & relaxing interview. "C" is usually YAMAHA's abbreviation for Combo. My user manual tells so. I've never heard or seen any source for "compact". If there is one fellas, please let me know.

  • @wilkopiano
    @wilkopiano5 ай бұрын

    Great interview 👏 it would have been fascinating to interview the late Rod Temperton too about his rise from heatwave to writing Thriller. He was from my neck of the woods in Lincoln England.

  • @mattdawg83686
    @mattdawg836865 ай бұрын

    Two maestros in one video!

  • @DarrenSangita
    @DarrenSangita5 ай бұрын

    Detective Marinelli nails it at 19:04. A glorious moment when after all the discussion and pondering, you hone in on this fantastic essence of just how Michael Jackson constructs his music. You shine a light on incredible organic process of an artist and his creative journey, ably assisted by the most talented in the business, it’s so beautifully revealed in these videos Anthony. The fact that Michael very did likely take essential elements from the demo and use them as pencil sketches would be used by a painter, lightly but definitely creating the space upon which more solid ideas can be layered. There really is “always more to uncover”. I really can’t thank you enough for sharing such beautifully joyful series of videos that celebrate the depth and intriguing insight into this creative process of such a wonderful piece of music from a wonderful artist and his team. Wonderful to hear Bills insights and gems from right there, at the heart of the magic.

  • @mwm48
    @mwm485 ай бұрын

    Just love these stories. They truly make my day.

  • @vladkhripunov9539
    @vladkhripunov95396 ай бұрын

    love hearing about unsung heroes of synth session work. great job sir!

  • @disappt
    @disappt6 ай бұрын

    I would definitely love to hear about Bill’s other work with the artists mentioned in the description. They have some truly iconic productions from the 80’s.

  • @andytupaia
    @andytupaia6 ай бұрын

    Thanks Anthony to bring up one of my best keyboard mr bill wolfer

  • @sawsquaresinetube
    @sawsquaresinetube6 ай бұрын

    Bill, you rock 🤘🏼 thanks Anthony for introducing us👏🏼

  • @drsamurai009
    @drsamurai0096 ай бұрын

    Great discussion and interview! Just the idea of flying in that guitar part from analog tape to tape is insane! Fascinating story.

  • 5 ай бұрын

    Une très belle vidéo, j'ai apprécié 👍.🎹 Theret Jean-Luc.

  • @KingMJForeverAndEver
    @KingMJForeverAndEver6 ай бұрын

    Beat It ✨👑✨

  • @iainholmes2735
    @iainholmes27353 ай бұрын

    Fantastic to see this. Cheers from London

  • @ajproductionsmusic
    @ajproductionsmusic5 ай бұрын

    Great interview!! Amazing Stories. Thank you!

  • @efeeroglu1127
    @efeeroglu11276 ай бұрын

    Please do some episodes with Michael Boddicker ! Love this channel

  • @camhyde9701
    @camhyde97016 ай бұрын

    another great interview!

  • @dynamiketiger
    @dynamiketiger6 ай бұрын

    Thank you for this!

  • @JoneQuest
    @JoneQuest6 ай бұрын

    Excellent content! 🔥🔥

  • @davidsharp3110
    @davidsharp31106 ай бұрын

    A great installment Anthony! Thank you

  • @WillyJunior
    @WillyJunior6 ай бұрын

    Excellent insights🔥

  • @nikjanevmusic
    @nikjanevmusic6 ай бұрын

    Incredible.. thank you

  • @musicsoulcreation
    @musicsoulcreation6 ай бұрын

    That was fantastic, Love it.

  • @brysonedwards4466
    @brysonedwards44666 ай бұрын

    Thank you so much I wanted this for years

  • @kitchrst
    @kitchrst6 ай бұрын

    Anthony!!! Thank you again… I love these interviews

  • @JiriTrubac
    @JiriTrubac6 ай бұрын

    I love this quest you're on, Anthony. Thank you!

  • @F.R.B.
    @F.R.B.6 ай бұрын

    Your videos are always a source of knowledge! All the love! ❤❤

  • @________2705
    @________27056 ай бұрын

    yes, please more of your talks! thanks for this Anthony!

  • @ALFA8902
    @ALFA89026 ай бұрын

    Great interview man

  • @boronoro
    @boronoro5 ай бұрын

    Great stuff! Very generous of You!

  • @Lfunk1983
    @Lfunk19835 ай бұрын

    Anthony your channel is gold. Love it!

  • @manuelornato3722
    @manuelornato37222 ай бұрын

    The only thing taking more space than those enormous synths in that room is... humility

  • @RoyMaya
    @RoyMaya6 ай бұрын

    Such great stories. I enjoy all these behind-the-scenes- stories of songs I grew up with. Thanks for making them.

  • @rosalindwebb7729
    @rosalindwebb772928 күн бұрын

    That’s amazing thank you for sharing.❤

  • @CaptainEO27
    @CaptainEO273 ай бұрын

    RIP David Williams. Passed away 3 months before Michael.

  • @pyjama9556
    @pyjama95566 ай бұрын

    Say say say, another one of my favourites!! Wow thank you Bill so much and thank you for the interview Anthony!❤️🙌

  • @MyVinylRips
    @MyVinylRips3 ай бұрын

    Loved this video, thanks! Amazing to watch.

  • @bittle266bbbb
    @bittle266bbbbАй бұрын

    This is amazing thank you for creating this channel.👏🏾👍

  • @AlineKiler123321
    @AlineKiler1233216 ай бұрын

    So inspiring to hear and se you guys and for what you have made for the music history in synthesis love from TAO from Sweden

  • @RJ1J
    @RJ1J6 ай бұрын

    Dr Mix sent me. New subscriber! Can't wait, currently going through the back catalogue of vids.

  • @FUNKINETIK
    @FUNKINETIK6 ай бұрын

    Loved every second of this vid, so interesting. Great to hear that snippet of Village Ghetto Land from Songs in the Key of Life. Would love to know more of Bill’s involvement with that album and even more so his work with Journey Through the Secret Life of Plants. Thank you Anthony for these great insights : )

  • @JeffPalmer83
    @JeffPalmer836 ай бұрын

    Fantastic history. Thank you!

  • @Stop_being_younger_than_me
    @Stop_being_younger_than_me6 ай бұрын

    I am beyond words on how lucky we are to be able to watch content like this for free.. if it were 20-30+ years ago we'd have to pay 50 bucks to see these interviews on VHS lol. Thanks for posting all of this Anthony!

  • @tihinter
    @tihinter6 ай бұрын

    incredible valuable video! thanx a lot for making this and asking the right questions. I love how Bill lives exactly what Russ demanded: If you are not sure about something, don’t try to hide. Two great and honest souls in one room here!

  • @TonyMullinsMusician
    @TonyMullinsMusician5 ай бұрын

    Archiving these important musicians and their process is as important as being able to listen to the songs. As a musician & synth lover your videos are priceless. I appreciate what you’re doing. ❤

  • @domeniquexander_
    @domeniquexander_6 ай бұрын

    Man i love your videos 🔥 respect and thanks for your work.

  • @djnahoo
    @djnahoo6 ай бұрын

    I can't thank you enough for bringing this to us, I love music so much music is magic , And I always like to know and understand who was behind that . 🙌

  • @eancurtis9333
    @eancurtis93336 ай бұрын

    Awesome!!!

  • @elianmusic7452
    @elianmusic74526 ай бұрын

    Anthony ... you are an icon. I cannot possibly thank you enough for these videos, i'm serious. Lots of love from Cairo, Egypt.

  • @jooei2810
    @jooei28106 ай бұрын

    This is insane, You guys made the music I grew up with!

  • @heima1299
    @heima12996 ай бұрын

    Thank you very much, I love these videos with so much information, especially when it comes to MJ.

  • @AM_9924
    @AM_99246 ай бұрын

    Absolute gold this. Incredible. Bill you legend.

  • @messybuttons7525
    @messybuttons75255 ай бұрын

    I love how you reminisced about David Williams. Sometimes we forget these musicians are humans. I’m hoping a longer interview is on the way or maybe I’ve just missed it in my queue. All these are gems. Always happy to see a new Anthony video whether it’s MJ related or otherwise. The team is doing great work with all this. The quality keeps getting better, and Anthony has become a fully developed journalist and interviewer.

  • @Behnan
    @Behnan6 ай бұрын

    you won the Internet today

  • @logicalblackman8228
    @logicalblackman82282 ай бұрын

    Got that Moog modular behind him👊🏾

  • @frida507
    @frida5075 ай бұрын

    Wow, this is so interesting!

  • @DocFUNKist
    @DocFUNKist5 ай бұрын

    What a video…. This is what it’s all about… musicians of different era ❤

  • @dmitriiturchenkov3075
    @dmitriiturchenkov30756 ай бұрын

    Alright. So this is the orginal Bille Jean guy. Nice to meet you. I have listened your playing thousands of times.❤

  • @GeorgeAmodei21
    @GeorgeAmodei216 ай бұрын

    Great Topic Anthony! Hope to finally meet @ NAMM :) George Amodei

  • @jeffc1753
    @jeffc17535 ай бұрын

    Would love to hear you breakdown the instrumentation on “Human Nature” at some point.

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