Quincy Jones, a monumental determine on the planet of music and leisure, has died on the age of 91 at his residence in Bel Air, Los Angeles. Famend for his extraordinary collaborations with among the largest names within the trade—starting from Michael Jackson to Frank Sinatra and Will Smith—Jones’ legacy will resonate for generations to come back. His publicist confirmed the information, sharing that he handed away surrounded by household.
In a heartfelt assertion, Jones’ household expressed their profound grief whereas additionally celebrating his outstanding life. They acknowledged the unimaginable affect he had on the music world, stating that there’ll by no means be one other artist fairly like him. Jones is extensively considered probably the most versatile and influential figures in Twentieth-century popular culture, having produced iconic albums similar to Off the Wall, Thriller, and Unhealthy for Michael Jackson. These albums not solely outlined an period but in addition solidified Jackson’s standing as the best pop star of all time.
Jones was a multi-talented artist who achieved success as a composer, arranger, bandleader, and producer. He was a distinguished determine in huge band jazz, and his expertise on the trumpet and piano had been distinctive. Along with his musical prowess, Jones established a profitable tv and movie manufacturing firm, which produced the beloved sitcom The Recent Prince of Bel-Air amongst different tasks. Even in his later years, he continued to innovate, launching Qwest TV in 2017, an on-demand music streaming service. With 80 Grammy nominations, he ranks third behind Beyoncé and Jay-Z within the all-time nominations checklist, and he’s the recipient of 28 Grammy Awards, making him probably the most honored musicians in historical past.
Tributes poured in from across the leisure trade following Jones’ passing. Actor Michael Caine, who shares the identical birthday as Jones, referred to him as a “titan within the musical world” and expressed gratitude for having identified such a singular particular person. Playwright Jeremy O. Harris lauded Jones for his huge contributions to American tradition, emphasizing how he broke obstacles and expanded the probabilities for Black artists within the trade.
Born in Chicago, Jones confronted a difficult upbringing. His father was of combined heritage, and his mom’s household had connections to slavery. Regardless of these obstacles, music performed a pivotal position in his adolescence. He started studying the piano at age seven, influenced by the sounds of a neighbor’s enjoying. After his dad and mom divorced, he moved to Washington state, the place he developed his musical skills additional, finally performing with a younger Ray Charles in Seattle golf equipment.
Jones’ journey took him to New York Metropolis, the place he performed trumpet for Elvis Presley’s band throughout his early tv appearances and mingled with jazz legends like Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. He later toured Europe and the Center East as Dizzy Gillespie’s musical director, forging a path that might lead him to provide and organize for a large number of artists, together with Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan.
His work on movie scores is noteworthy, with contributions to basic movies similar to The Italian Job, Within the Warmth of the Evening, and The Colour Purple, the latter incomes 11 Oscar nominations. Jones additionally made historical past in 1968 as the primary African American nominated for Greatest Unique Track on the Oscars.
Jones’ skilled life was marked by collaborations with Frank Sinatra, beginning in 1958 when he was introduced on to rearrange for Sinatra’s band. Their partnership endured for many years, culminating in Sinatra’s closing album in 1984. All through his profession, Jones seamlessly blended genres, producing hits throughout varied kinds, from pop and R&B to funk and disco.
His affect on Michael Jackson was notably profound, with Thriller nonetheless holding the title of the best-selling album of all time. The pair additionally collaborated on the charity single We Are the World, which raised tens of millions for famine reduction in Ethiopia.
Outdoors of his skilled accomplishments, Jones confronted private challenges, together with a brush with loss of life involving Charles Manson’s cult and surviving a mind aneurysm that affected his skill to play the trumpet.
Jones was married 3 times and had seven kids. He was identified for relationship youthful ladies, which often drew public scrutiny. Regardless of the ups and downs of his private life, his affect on music and tradition stays simple.
Fellow artists, together with LL Cool J and Nile Rodgers, have expressed their deep respect for Jones, acknowledging his position as a mentor and a trailblazer within the music trade. Jones’ loss of life marks the top of an period, however his legacy as a masterful musician, producer, and pioneer will endure within the hearts of many.
