Quincy Jones, an American music giant known for his groundbreaking work in jazz, pop, and film scores, has died at age 91. Remembering his legacy and immense contributions to the world of music.
Musician and producer Quincy Jones, known for his collaborations with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and many others, has passed away at the age of 91.
Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, announced that he “passed away peacefully” on Sunday night at his Bel Air home.
“With heavy yet grateful hearts, we announce the passing of our father and brother, Quincy Jones. While this is an immense loss for our family, we choose to honor the remarkable life he led and recognize that there will never be another like him,” expressed his family in a statement.
Throughout his career, which extended over 75 years, he won 28 Grammy Awards and was recognized by Time magazine as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century.
Early in his career, he collaborated closely with Frank Sinatra and transformed the crooner’s classic “Fly Me To The Moon,” changing it from a waltz to a swing.
In the film *The Wiz*, Jones collaborated with a 19-year-old Michael Jackson. He subsequently produced Jackson’s album *Off the Wall*, which sold 20 million copies.
He also produced the pop star’s subsequent albums, Thriller and Bad.
In 1985, Jones assembled a group of 46 prominent American singers of the era, such as Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, and Cyndi Lauper to record “We Are the World.”
Jones collaborated on the song to generate funds for individuals affected by a severe famine in Ethiopia.
The record was the American counterpart to Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas.”
The song climbed to number one on charts in both the UK and the US, and it was performed during Live Aid.
Jones also created the soundtracks for over 50 films and TV shows, including the 1969 British movie “The Italian Job.”
He produced the film The Color Purple for the big screen, introducing audiences to two then-unknown talents: Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg.
On television, he was one of the producers responsible for the popular series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
However, it was in music that Jones truly excelled. Alongside winning multiple Grammys, including a Legend Award in 1992, he also received recognition from the Emmys, Tonys, and Oscars.
Jones was married three times and had seven children, among them music producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones, who is recognized for her role in the US version of The Office.
The Jones family expressed that the music producer was “absolutely unique” and shared that “through his music and endless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will continue to resonate forever.”
Playwright Jeremy O’Harris was among the first to pay tribute, posting on X that Jones’ “contributions to American culture were limitless.” He highlighted that Jones was the first Black individual nominated for an Oscar for best score, along with his numerous other accomplishments.
American rapper LL Cool J, who had a brief relationship with Kidada Jones, expressed on Instagram that her father was “a paternal figure and role model during a crucial time in my life.”
Mentor, role model, king. You opened doors for me and imparted invaluable wisdom. Music wouldn’t be the same without you.
Singer Darius Rucker mentioned that we had “lost one of the all-time greats,” while British DJ Tony Blackburn expressed on X that Jones was a “musical genius.”
