Eagle-eyed reader Paul Berger, a salesman from Nassau County, dropped a bit of knowledge on me, after reading today’s package on the “Thriller” 25th anniversary release. It turns out “P.Y.T.” has a Long Island link. It was inspired by producer Quincy Jones’ wife at the time, Peggy Lipton, the Lawrence native best known for her work in “The Mod Squad.” (Or for you "Office" fans, Rashida Jones' mom.)
James Ingram, who co-wrote “P.Y.T.” with Jones, told Ebony recently, "Quincy's wife Peggy [Lipton] brought home some lingerie called 'Pretty Young Things' and Quincy, being the genius that he is, said that would be a good title." Soon after that, the song was written and Jackson was singing and dancing to it in the studio.
PHOTO: Peggy Lipton in her "Mod Squad" says.