Quincy Jones: Giant of U.S music dies at 91

Quincy Jones, a U.S musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and many others dies at 91.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, in a statement released on Sunday night, stated that “Jones passed away on Sunday peacefully at his home in Bel Air.”

The statement reads “tonight, with full but broken hearts, we announce the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing.

“Although this is a great loss for our family, we celebrate the great life well spent while on earth and we know that there will never be another person like him,” the family said in a statement.

Jones during his lifetime was best known as the producer of Michael Jackson’s Thriller album.

Quincy, in his career that spanned more than 75 years won 28 Grammy awards and was best known as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century by Time magazine.

He produced and directed the recording of the 1985 charity record, “We Are The World,” BBC asserted.

Do you know Quincy Jones?

Quincy Jones is a legendary American music producer, composer, arranger, and musician.

Early Life of Quincy Jones

Jones was born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois by Quincy Delight Jones Sr. and Sarah Frances Wells. He was raised in Seattle, Washington and started playing trumpet at age 12.

Music Career of Quincy Jones

The American composer started as a trumpeter and arranger for Lionel Hampton and Duke Ellington. He moved to Paris in 1957 to study composition and arrangement.

The U.S musician collaborated with artists like Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, and Ella Fitzgerald and produced iconic albums including Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” in 1982, “The Wiz” soundtrack in 1978, and “Roots” soundtrack in 1977.

Also, Jones composed music for over 50 films and TV shows, including “In the Heat of the Night” in 1967, “The Color Purple” in 1985, and “Austin Powers” in 1997.

Awards and Accolades

The American music producer received 28 Grammy Awards, 7 Academy Award nominations, 1 Oscar win for “The Color Purple” in 1985, National Medal of Arts in 2011, and Kennedy Center Honors in 2001.

Innovations

The producer pioneered the use of synthesizers and electronic instruments and introduced hip-hop and R&B to mainstream audiences.

Besides, he co-founded Vibe magazine and Qwest Records and supported various philanthropic causes, including music education and healthcare.

Personal Life

Jones got married three times to Jeri Caldwell between 1957 and 1966, Ulla Andersson between 1967 and 1974, and Peggy Lipton between 1986 and 1989. He has seven children, including Quincy Jones III and Kidada Jones.

Discography

The American music composer produced over 50 solo albums, including “Quincy Jones Explores the Music of Henry Mancini” in 1964, “Walking in Space” in 1969 and “Back on Block” in 1989.

Books and Documentaries

The music legendary produced an autobiography titled “Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones” in 2001.

 Documentaries

“Quincy Jones: The Story of a Legend” in 2002 and “Keep on, Keepin’ On” in 2014 are both Jones’ documentaries.

Quincy Jones’ Quotes

During his lifetime, his favorite quotes are “Music is the divine way to express love,” “The most important thing in music is the rhythm,” “I’ve been fortunate to work with some of the greatest artists of all time.”

Legacy and Impact­

The composer’s innovative production style, genre-bending collaborations, and dedication to music education have left an indelible mark on the music industry.

His legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, producers, and musicians.

Music Innovations

The music producer introduced hip-hop and R&B to mainstream audiences and pioneered the use of synthesizers and electronic instruments.

Also, he developed the ” Quincy Jones sound” – a blend of jazz, soul, and pop, and collaborated with artists from diverse genres, including jazz, pop, rock, and hip-hop.

Philanthropy

The musician founded the Quincy Jones Foundation to support music education and healthcare, supported organizations like UNICEF, Amnesty International, and the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, and helped establish the Grammy Foundation’s MusicCares program.

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