Quincy Jones, the iconic music titan renowned for his vast contributions to the industry, has passed away at the age of 91. His publicist confirmed that he died on a Sunday night at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, surrounded by his loving family.
The family released a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of their father and brother, acknowledging the incredible impact of his life and legacy while expressing their intention to celebrate the remarkable journey he had experienced.
He wrote:
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Jones’ life story is one of incredible resilience and triumph, rising from his early days of gang involvement in the South Side of Chicago to becoming a towering figure in the entertainment industry. His trajectory not only showcased his extraordinary talent but also broke racial barriers, making him one of the first Black executives to achieve significant success in Hollywood.
Over the years, Jones built an impressive catalog of music that has contributed to some of the most cherished moments in American music history, rendering him an indispensable figure in the industry.
Throughout his illustrious career, it was difficult to find a music enthusiast who did not own at least one record featuring Jones’ work or a leader in the entertainment field who lacked a personal connection to him. His influence extended beyond music; he became a fixture in the lives of presidents, foreign leaders, and countless celebrities, forming collaborations with some of the biggest names in the industry.
His talent allowed him to tour with legendary artists such as Count Basie and Lionel Hampton, while also arranging records for iconic figures like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
Jones’ versatility and vision significantly shaped the soundtracks for culturally significant works, including the acclaimed miniseries “Roots” and the Oscar-winning film “In the Heat of the Night.”
His organizational skills shone through in high-profile events, such as President Bill Clinton’s first inaugural celebration and the historic charity single “We Are the World,” which he produced in 1985 to aid famine relief efforts in Africa.
Colleagues like Lionel Richie, who co-wrote “We Are the World,” hailed Jones as “the master orchestrator” for his ability to unify diverse talents into cohesive and impactful projects.
His extensive career began at a time when records were played on vinyl at 78 revolutions per minute. Among his many achievements, his collaborations with Michael Jackson stand out as defining moments in both artists’ careers.
Albums like “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad” became not only commercial successes but also landmarks in the evolution of music, showcasing a unique blend of genres that resonated with a global audience. Jones’ ingenuity allowed Jackson to transition from a child star to the “King of Pop,” crafting hit songs that have become timeless classics.
The groundbreaking album “Thriller” alone sold over 20 million copies in its release year of 1983, a feat that still sparks debate over whether it is the best-selling album of all time, often rivaled by the Eagles’ “Greatest Hits 1971-1975.”
Jones’ creative decisions on this album, such as bringing in Eddie Van Halen for the guitar solo on “Beat It” and securing Vincent Price for the eerie voiceover on the title track, demonstrated his ability to blend various artistic elements into a cohesive sound that captured the imagination of millions.
Jones recognized the immense responsibility that came with his role as a producer, noting in a 2016 interview with the Library of Congress that if an album fails, it often falls on the producer, and similarly, if it succeeds, they should also share in the credit.
He emphasized the importance of skill, experience, and the ability to guide a musical vision to fruition, qualities that defined his approach throughout his career.
His list of accolades is extensive, filling 18 pages in his 2001 autobiography, “Q.” At the time of publication, he had earned 27 Grammy Awards (now 28) and received an honorary Academy Award, which has since increased to two.
Additionally, he was honored with an Emmy for his work on “Roots,” the prestigious French Legion d’Honneur, and the Rudolph Valentino Award from Italy, alongside a tribute from the Kennedy Center recognizing his contributions to American culture.
Jones’ influence extended beyond music, as he was the subject of a documentary titled “Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones” in 1990, which explored his remarkable career.
In 2018, his daughter, Rashida Jones, directed a film that further illuminated his life and legacy, showcasing the multifaceted dimensions of his character and the breadth of his impact on the arts.
His memoir not only documented his journey but also became a bestseller, reflecting the public’s fascination with his extraordinary life.
Quincy Jones leaves behind a legacy that is impossible to replicate, characterized by an extraordinary career that spanned genres, decades, and borders.
His music continues to influence new generations of artists, and his innovative spirit has set a standard in the industry that remains relevant today. From his early days in Chicago to his triumphant ascent in Hollywood, Jones embodied the essence of creativity, resilience, and collaboration.
His passing marks a significant loss for the music industry, as he was a beloved figure whose contributions enriched the lives of countless people around the world.
Friends, colleagues, and fans alike will remember him not only for his musical genius but also for his warm personality and dedication to fostering talent and creativity.
The outpouring of tributes from across the globe serves as a testament to the profound impact he had on the world of music and beyond.
Quincy Jones was born in Chicago in 1933 and grew up surrounded by music, largely influenced by the hymns his mother sang at home. Despite this early exposure, Jones viewed his childhood through a lens of sadness, reflecting on the lack of nurturing he received.
He once shared with Oprah Winfrey that life is often split between those with supportive parents and those without, placing himself firmly in the latter category. His mother’s struggles with mental health led to her eventual institutionalization, a loss that left Quincy feeling as though the world around him was chaotic and senseless.
As a child, he found himself frequently on the streets, often falling in with gangs, engaging in stealing and fighting to survive. He recounted a particularly harrowing experience in which a gang member nailed his hand to a fence with a switchblade, leaving him with a lasting scar.
Music eventually became his refuge. One day, he discovered that a neighbor owned a piano, and he was drawn to it, playing it whenever he could. At age 11, he stumbled upon a piano on a stage in a recreation center, and he felt an immediate sense of peace and purpose, realizing that music was his calling.
Jones quickly advanced in his musical abilities, transitioning from piano to trumpet, and he formed a lifelong friendship with Ray Charles, who was blind and immensely talented. His talent earned him a scholarship to the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, but he left the program when he was invited to tour with the band led by Lionel Hampton.
This early exposure to professional music paved the way for his career as a freelance composer, conductor, arranger, and producer. During his teenage years, he had the opportunity to back legendary jazz vocalist Billie Holiday, and by his mid-20s, he was leading his own jazz band.
Despite having what he considered the best jazz band around, Jones faced significant struggles, often barely scraping by financially. He acknowledged this harsh reality in a conversation with Musician magazine, noting the crucial distinction between “music” and “the music business.”
This realization became essential for his survival in an industry that could be as unforgiving as it was rewarding. His rise to success included breaking racial barriers, notably becoming the first Black vice president at Mercury Records in the early 1960s.
Jones made history again in 1971 as the first Black musical director for the Academy Awards. His first film production, “The Color Purple,” received critical acclaim, garnering 11 Oscar nominations in 1986, though it was a personal disappointment for Jones when the film did not win any.
In partnership with Time Warner, he founded Quincy Jones Entertainment, which included the influential pop-culture magazine Vibe and Qwest Broadcasting. He ultimately sold this company for an impressive $270 million in 1999, solidifying his status as a savvy businessman.
Throughout his career, Jones exhibited a remarkable versatility that allowed him to engage with virtually every genre of American music. He arranged and produced songs for a wide range of artists, from Frank Sinatra to Chaka Khan.
His work included the iconic “Fly Me to the Moon,” which he transformed into a swinging classic, and the gritty saxophone introduction for Ray Charles’ “In the Heat of the Night.” The collaboration on the charity single “We Are the World” saw an unprecedented gathering of artists, including Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen.
Jones not only co-wrote hits for Michael Jackson, such as “P.Y.T (Pretty Young Thing)” but also created memorable songs for other artists, including Donna Summer. He influenced the hip-hop genre, with his work being sampled by numerous rappers like Tupac Shakur and Kanye West.
His talent extended beyond music production; he also composed the theme for the classic sitcom “Sanford and Son.” His ability to nurture talent was evident when he played a pivotal role in giving Will Smith his first big break in the hit television series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.”
In addition to producing films like “The Color Purple,” Jones composed over 35 film scores, including works for “The Pawnbroker” and “In Cold Blood.” He regarded film scoring as a complex interplay of art and science, a fusion of creativity and technical skill that he mastered throughout his career.
His collaboration with Michael Jackson on the soundtrack for “The Wiz” solidified their partnership, leading to the production of Jackson’s groundbreaking album “Off the Wall.” The success of this album not only challenged preconceived notions about Jones’ style but also secured jobs for those who doubted him.
However, tensions arose after Jackson’s death, leading Jones to sue Jackson’s estate in 2013 over unpaid royalties and production fees. In a candid 2018 interview, he described Jackson as “Machiavellian” and accused him of borrowing material from other artists, reflecting a complicated and sometimes strained relationship that had developed over the years.
Despite these conflicts, Jones remained passionate about music and dedicated to his craft, a commitment that at times took a toll on his personal life.
In 1974, he experienced a life-threatening brain aneurysm that underscored the pressures he faced. The disappointment he felt when “The Color Purple” did not receive an Oscar led him into a deep depression in the 1980s, especially since he had never received a competitive Oscar despite his vast contributions to film and music.
As a father of seven children from five different relationships, he candidly described himself as a “dog” with numerous romantic connections around the world, having been married three times, including to actress Peggy Lipton.
Jones had not initially been an activist, but this changed after he attended the funeral of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 and formed a friendship with the Rev. Jesse Jackson. He became dedicated to various philanthropic efforts, believing that fame should be used as a platform for helping others.
His charitable efforts focused on fighting HIV/AIDS, educating children, and addressing poverty globally. He founded the Quincy Jones Listen Up! Foundation to connect young people with music and technology, motivated by an adventurous spirit and a “criminal level of optimism.”
In his memoir, Jones reflected on his life with a sense of wonder, likening it to a vivid dream filled with vibrant experiences. He drew inspiration from the Spanish poet Federico Garcia Lorca, emphasizing that his life had been lived in Technicolor, enriched by experiences that resonated deeply within him.
Jones was a proud father, and along with his daughter Rashida, he is survived by several other children: Jolie Jones Levine, Rachel Jones, Martina Jones, Kidada Jones, and Kenya Kinski-Jones. He also leaves behind his son Quincy Jones III, brother Richard, and sisters Theresa Frank and Margie Jay, ensuring that his legacy continues through his family.
As Quincy Jones passes, he is remembered as an extraordinary talent who not only shaped the music industry but also influenced culture at large. His ability to adapt and innovate across genres, combined with his commitment to nurturing talent, left an indelible mark on countless artists and fans alike.
His life journey, from a troubled childhood to becoming one of the most revered figures in music, serves as an inspiring testament to the power of creativity, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of artistry.
