Jon B has opened up about one of the most memorable moments of his career, creating an official remix for Michael Jackson’s song. You are not alone, as he celebrates the 30th anniversary of his first album.
Talk to PEOPLE in front of his I still have love Spring/Summer Tour, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and producer, 51, was clear about the importance of the collaboration.
“I remixed the song You are not alone for Michael Jackson. And it was an official remix. It wasn’t like I was doing it on the side. They asked me to do it and I was honored.”
He added that early in his career he was also managed by the same company as Jackson, further strengthening the bond between the two artists.
Although he has yet to see the new Michael biopic starring Jaafar Jackson, Jon B has fond memories of working with the King of Pop himself.
“It’s an incredible honor,” he said, noting that the collaboration happened “in the same room, really collaborating, not over the phone or texting or anything like that.”
He placed these sessions in the context of a broader career defined by in-person creative partnerships with legends.
“That’s really my goal, as far as using the opportunity I have as an artist to live my dreams. The first thing for me was, okay, I’m going to work with all my favorite people.”
This list included Tupac Shakur and many others.
Jon B’s debut album, Bonafide, was released in 1995, producing the breakthrough single Someone to love with Babyface, first appearing on the Bad Boys soundtrack.
“HAS [be featured] on my record, my very first song that I released was a huge honor for me,” he said of his collaboration with Babyface, whom he described as “the pinnacle of all the artists I wanted to work with.”
His 1997 follow-up single They don’t know from the album Cool Relax remains a live highlight three decades later.
“We always sing it in the club. Everyone sings it word for word, and we’re just like, ‘Man, it started when I got rid of my feelings.’ As a songwriter, it’s very rewarding.”
He calls it the song he is most proud of.
Jon B’s latest album I’m waiting for you was released in March 2025 and stars Tank, Rick Ross, Donell Jones and Alex Isley. His next tour stop is May 10 in Palm Springs.
