Legendary musician and producer Quincy Jones, known for his groundbreaking work with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and numerous other music icons, passed away peacefully at his Bel Air home on Sunday night at the age of 91. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed the news, and his family expressed their deep sorrow, calling Jones “irreplaceable” and celebrating his remarkable life.
Jones’ career, spanning over 75 years, left an indelible mark on music and culture. He was renowned as the producer of Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller album and won 28 Grammy Awards throughout his lifetime. Recognized by Time magazine as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century, Jones was instrumental in shaping the sound of modern music.
Early in his career, Jones collaborated with Frank Sinatra, bringing fresh energy to classics like Fly Me to the Moon, transforming it into an upbeat swing version. His partnership with a young Michael Jackson on the set of The Wiz led to his production of Jackson’s Off the Wall, a record that sold over 20 million copies worldwide. Jones would go on to produce Jackson’s follow-up albums Thriller and Bad, further cementing Jackson’s status as a global superstar.
In 1985, Jones organized We Are the World, a massive charity single featuring 46 of America’s biggest stars, including Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, and Cyndi Lauper. The song, which raised funds for famine relief in Ethiopia, became a cultural milestone, reaching number one in both the US and UK charts and featured prominently at Live Aid.
Beyond music, Jones left his creative touch on numerous films and TV shows. He scored over 50 soundtracks, including The Italian Job (1969), and produced The Color Purple, which introduced audiences to Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg. He was also a key producer of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, the show that launched Will Smith’s acting career.
Jones’ talents extended to multiple artistic realms, earning him accolades across the Grammys, Emmys, Tonys, and Oscars, including a Grammy Legend Award in 1992.
Jones is survived by his seven children, including producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones, known for her role in The Office. Reflecting on his passing, his family described him as “truly one of a kind,” adding that his love and music would “resonate forever.”
Tributes poured in from around the world. Playwright Jeremy O’Harris noted that Jones’ contributions to American culture were “limitless,” highlighting that he was the first Black artist to receive an Oscar nomination for Best Original Score. Singer Darius Rucker called him “one of the all-time greats,” and British DJ Tony Blackburn honored him as a “musical genius” whose influence will endure.
SOURCE: BBC
Join our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakDz4u9RZATWh53yC1a
