Quincy Jones, a monumental figure in the music industry, passed away Sunday night at his home in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles. He was 91 years old. The news was confirmed by his representative, Arnold Robinson, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.
In a heartfelt statement, the Jones family expressed their grief, saying, “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. 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.” They added that Jones’ legacy of love and joy will endure through his music, which touched countless lives.
Jones, often referred to simply as “Q,” enjoyed a remarkable 70-year career as an artist, bandleader, composer, arranger, and producer. His influence in the entertainment world was profound, making him one of the most respected figures in the music industry.
Born Quincy Delight Jones Jr. in Chicago, he began playing the trumpet at a young age. His family moved to Seattle when he was 10, where he met 17-year-old Ray Charles, marking the start of a lifelong connection with music. After studying at the Berklee School of Music in Boston, Jones began touring with Lionel Hampton’s big band at 18. He quickly gained recognition as a skilled arranger, working with iconic musicians such as Count Basie and Dinah Washington.
Throughout his career, Jones won 28 Grammy Awards, with six of those awarded for his 1990 album Back on the Block. He was also recognized as Producer of the Year three times. His most notable collaborations were with Michael Jackson, beginning with the singer’s groundbreaking 1979 album Off the Wall, which sold an estimated 20 million copies worldwide.
The duo’s partnership produced some of the best-selling albums in history, including the record-shattering Thriller in 1982. The album remains the best-selling album of all time, with global sales exceeding 110 million. Jones also produced Jackson’s 1987 album Bad, further cementing their impact on pop music.
In 1985, Jones gained international acclaim as the producer of the charity single “We Are the World,” which featured an all-star lineup, including Bruce Springsteen, Diana Ross, and Bob Dylan. The song raised millions for famine relief in Africa and showcased Jones’ ability to unite artists for a greater cause.
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Jones made history as the first African American to compose a score for a major motion picture with his work on the 1964 film The Pawnbroker. Over the years, he received seven Oscar nominations for Best Original Score and Song, and he was awarded the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995.
His influence extended to television as well. Jones served as the executive producer of the hit NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which helped launch Will Smith’s acting career. He also produced several documentaries, including the acclaimed The History of Rock ‘N’ Roll.
In the 1970s, Jones founded Qwest Records, where he continued to release music and produce albums for a range of artists, including George Benson and Tevin Campbell. His innovative approach led to numerous Grammy-winning projects, including the 1989 album Back on the Block, which featured a blend of jazz and hip-hop.
Jones remained active in the music scene well into his later years. He collaborated on projects with artists such as The Weeknd and Chaka Khan. He also celebrated his 90th birthday in July 2023 with a special concert at the Hollywood Bowl, featuring performances from a range of artists he had worked with throughout his illustrious career.
