LOS ANGELES, USA – Quincy Jones, an unrivalled figure in American music and entertainment who shaped the careers of artists from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, has died at 91.
Jones passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 3, 2024, night at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, surrounded by his family, according to his publicist, Arnold Robinson.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family stated.
“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’ career spanned more than six decades, making him one of the most versatile and influential figures in popular culture.
Known for producing Michael Jackson’s record-breaking albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, Jones also worked with legends such as Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, and George Benson.
He produced iconic film scores, including those for The Italian Job, In the Heat of the Night, and The Color Purple, and composed for television shows like Roots and The Bill Cosby Show.
In addition to his production achievements, Jones led his own bands, collaborated with jazz icons like Count Basie and Dizzy Gillespie, and was a founding force behind The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, launching Will Smith’s career.
A Life in Music, From Big Band Jazz to Pop Superstardom
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones’s early love for music began with his mother’s singing and a neighbour’s piano playing.
Moving to Seattle with his father, he learned to play multiple brass instruments and performed alongside a young Ray Charles in local clubs.
After a stint studying music in Boston, Jones joined the band of jazz leader Lionel Hampton, beginning a career that would take him around the world.
He honed his craft in Paris, met cultural icons like Picasso and Baldwin, and toured as musical director for Dizzy Gillespie, though financial struggles nearly ended his career in the 1950s.
In 1958, Jones’s career took a historic turn when he arranged music for Frank Sinatra, who became a lifelong collaborator and friend. His own musical projects flourished, with hits like It’s My Party for Lesley Gore and groundbreaking albums Body Heat and The Dude.
His versatility paved the way for his landmark collaboration with Michael Jackson, with Thriller becoming the highest-selling album in history.
Jones also produced We Are the World with Jackson and Lionel Richie, which became an anthem for global humanitarian efforts.
Impact on Film, Television, and Cultural Legacy
Beyond music, Jones became a prominent figure in film and television. His scoring work in movies like The Color Purple earned him Oscar nominations, and his television ventures included The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and MadTV.
He founded Vibe magazine and Qwest Broadcasting, extending his influence into media and championing Black culture and young talent, including Grammy-winning musician Jacob Collier.
Jones was renowned for his contributions to civil rights causes and cultural foundations.
He narrowly escaped tragedy in 1969, having planned to attend a gathering at Sharon Tate’s home on the night of the Manson Family murders.
A brain aneurysm in 1974 curtailed his trumpet playing, though he continued to thrive creatively for decades, launching Qwest TV, an on-demand music service, in 2017.
Personal Life and Family
Jones married three times, fathering seven children, including actress Rashida Jones.
His romances and friendships were legendary, including partnerships with younger women and rumoured relationships with figures like Ivanka Trump and Juliette Gréco.
He leaves behind his children and an indelible legacy across generations of music lovers.
Quincy Jones’s remarkable life and career have shaped modern music and culture in ways that will be felt for generations.
As one of the most Grammy-nominated artists with 28 wins, his contributions continue to echo across genres, inspiring countless musicians and artists worldwide.
