 Quincy Jones was the musical supervisor and music producer for the film . He later wrote that he initially did not want to work on the film , but did it as a favor to Sidney Lumet . The film production marked Jones ' first time working with Michael Jackson , and Jones would later produce three hit albums for Jackson : Off the Wall , Thriller , and Bad . Jones recalled working with Jackson as one of his favorite experiences from The Wiz , and spoke of Jackson 's dedication to his role , comparing his acting style to Sammy Davis , Jr . Jones had a brief cameo during the " Gold " segment of the Emerald City sequence , playing what looks like a fifty @-@ foot grand piano . 
