Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer and composer renowned for collaborating with artists from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, has died at the age of 91.
According to his publicist, Arnold Robinson, Jones passed away Sunday night at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we share the news of Quincy Jones’ passing,” his family said in a statement. “This is an incredible loss for us, but we celebrate his extraordinary life, knowing there will never be another like him.”
Rising from the tough streets of Chicago's South Side, Jones became one of the most influential figures in music and entertainment, breaking racial barriers and shaping the sound of generations. His storied career spanned decades, from his early days arranging for icons like Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, to producing Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Notably, Thriller became one of the best-selling albums of all time, with Jones’ masterful production blending disco, funk, rock, and pop. It featured iconic elements such as Eddie Van Halen's guitar solo on "Beat It" and Vincent Price's voiceover on the title track.
Jones’ vast catalog included scores for over 35 films, such as In the Heat of the Night and The Pawnbroker, and he also orchestrated the 1985 all-star charity anthem “We Are the World.” His influence reached beyond music: he was the first Black musical director for the Academy Awards in 1971, and produced cultural touchstones such as The Color Purple, earning 11 Oscar nominations.
Among his many accolades were 28 Grammy Awards, an honorary Academy Award, and an Emmy for the miniseries Roots. His autobiography Q recounted these milestones and more, presenting a life filled with challenges and triumphs.
Jones was shaped by a difficult childhood marked by his mother’s mental health struggles and a dangerous youth. Music became his salvation at a young age, leading him to play the trumpet and befriend a young Ray Charles. His career took off when he joined Lionel Hampton's band, later becoming a trailblazer as a producer and composer.
His legacy also extended to nurturing new talent and fostering diversity in the industry. Jones helped launch Will Smith’s acting career with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, and mentored countless artists. His role in creating The Color Purple introduced Whoopi Goldberg and Oprah Winfrey to the film world.
Despite professional highs, Jones faced personal struggles. He survived a brain aneurysm in 1974, battled depression after The Color Purple was overlooked at the Oscars, and navigated complex relationships, having fathered seven children with five different women.
Jones’ activism grew over time, especially after attending Martin Luther King Jr.'s funeral in 1968. He committed himself to causes like fighting HIV/AIDS and advocating for youth education, founding the Quincy Jones Listen Up! Foundation.
In his memoir, Jones reflected on his journey with vivid imagery: “Life is like a dream... mine’s been in Technicolor, with full Dolby sound.
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