Quincy Jones, the renowned music producer and arranger known simply as “Q,” passed away on Sunday at the age of 91.
His impact on American music spanned over 65 years, collaborating with a wide array of artists from Count Basie to Frank Sinatra, and revolutionizing pop music through his work with Michael Jackson.
Jones had an illustrious career as a trumpeter, bandleader, composer, and producer, earning 27 Grammy Awards.
He was a prolific figure in the industry, shaping recordings for jazz legends like Miles Davis and producing the historic charity single “We Are the World” in 1985, which became one of the biggest hits of its time.
In addition to his music career, Jones was a successful film score writer, co-producing the acclaimed film “The Color Purple” and the popular 1990s television series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which helped launch Will Smith’s career.
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His social circle included some of the most notable figures of the 20th century, from Pablo Picasso to Nelson Mandela.
Jones was particularly celebrated for his collaborations with Michael Jackson, producing three groundbreaking albums: “Off the Wall” (1979), “Thriller” (1982), and “Bad” (1987). “Thriller” remains the best-selling album of all time, featuring six top 10 singles and selling approximately 70 million copies worldwide.
Born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Jones’s early life was marked by challenges. He developed a passion for music during his youth, learning various instruments and ultimately finding his voice in jazz.
After touring internationally with Dizzy Gillespie, he became one of the first Black executives at a major record label when he joined Mercury Records.
Jones’s eclectic career also included scoring nearly 40 films, contributing to hits across genres, and producing for artists such as Paul Simon and Aretha Franklin. His innovative approach earned him recognition not just in music but also in film and television.
Despite facing challenges, including a lawsuit against Jackson’s estate after the singer’s death in 2009, Jones continued to thrive in his career. He founded his own record label, Qwest, and remained active in various projects well into his 80s, famously stating, “I’ve never been this busy in my life.”
Jones was married three times and had a total of five children, including daughters with actress Peggy Lipton and a son, Quincy III, who became a hip-hop producer. His legacy as a transformative figure in music and culture will endure long after his passing.
