Quincy Jones sues over Michael Jackson profits

HOLLYWOOD, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- U.S. music producer Quincy Jones filed a $10 million breach-of-contract lawsuit for the re-mix and use of Michael Jackson songs after the singer's death.

Jones worked with Jackson between 1978 and 1985 on the singer's solo albums and contracts during that time stipulated the producer be given the first opportunity to re-edit or remix the master recordings in the future, The Hollywood Reporter said Friday.

Additionally, the use of the master recordings with any other recordings requires his prior written consent and he would have producer credit for each master recording, Jones said the contracts stipulated. He would also receive additional compensation for remixed masters.

In a complaint filed Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court against MJJ Productions and Sony Music Entertainment, Jones alleged the master recordings were improperly edited and remixed, and he was deprived of backend profit participation. He said he was also denied credit for his work on Jackson's posthumous releases.

"Quincy has been frustrated with these matters for a number of years, felt he was not making any progress and needed to take more formal action," Jones' attorney, Henry Gradstein, said.