Edward Theodore "Teddy" Riley (born October 8, 1967) is an American singer, songwriter, audio engineer, and record producer credited with the creation of the New Jack Swing genre. Riley credits Barry Michael Cooper with giving the genre its name.
The fusion of hip hop and R&B in his work gave him the opportunity to work with artists including Michael Jackson, Bobby Brown, Keith Sweat, Samantha Mumba, Doug E. Fresh, Today, Heavy D & the Boyz, Hi-Five, Men of Vizion, and Profyle, as well as his spearheaded groups Guy and Blackstreet.
Biography[]
Born in Harlem and raised in the St. Nicholas projects, Teddy Riley displayed musical talent from an early age, playing piano at his church and performing in local bands. His introduction to record production came through Kool and the Gang’s Royal Bayyan, leading to a partnership with Gene Griffin in the mid-1980s. Riley's production skills helped propel the R&B group Guy—formed in 1987 with Aaron Hall and Timmy Gatling—to success, pioneering the "new jack swing" sound, which blended hip-hop beats with R&B and gospel influences.
Beyond Guy, Riley produced hits for artists such as Big Daddy Kane, the Jacksons, and Wreckx-N-Effect. His influential work on Michael Jackson's Dangerous album, recommended by Quincy Jones, further cemented his legacy. Following Guy’s disbandment in 1992, he shifted focus to production, leaving a lasting impact on R&B by integrating rap elements and samples into the genre. His innovations helped shape modern gospel and R&B music, influencing artists for generations.
Relationship with Michael Jackson[]
Teddy co-produced Michael's Dangerous, Invincible, and Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix albums at the behest of the lattel's former producer, Quincy Jones. He was also brought on-board to help produce the posthumous album Michael.
Credits[]
Dangerous[]
- "Can't Let Her Get Away" - writing, production, engineering, mixing, keyboards, synthesizer and arrangements, rhythm arrangements
- "Dangerous" - writing, production, engineering, mixing, synthesizer and arrangements, rhythm arrangements
- "In the Closet" - writing, production, engineering, mixing, keyboards, synthesizer and arrangements, rhythm arrangements
- "Jam" - writing, production, engineering, mixing, keyboards, lead guitar, drums and arrangements, synthesizer
- "Remember the Time" - writing, production, engineering, mixing, keyboards, synthesizer and arrangements, rhythm arrangements
- "She Drives Me Wild" - writing, production, engineering, mixing, keyboards, synthesizer and arrangements, rhythm arrangements
- "Why You Wanna Trip on Me" - writing, production, engineering, mixing, lead guitar, keyboards, rhythm arrangements, synthesizer
Blood on the Dance Floor: HIStory in the Mix[]
- "Blood on the Dance Floor" - writing, production, engineering, keyboards, synthesizer, drum programming
- "Ghosts" - writing, production, engineering, keyboards, synthesizer
Invincible[]
- "2000 Watts" - writing, production, additional background vocals
- "Don't Walk Away" - writing, production
- "Heaven Can Wait" - writing, production, multiple instruments
- "Whatever Happens" - writing, production
Michael[]
- "Hollywood Tonight" - writing, production, mixing, programming
- "Monster" - writing, production, mixing, programming
- "Breaking News" - writing, production, mixing, programming