Quincy Jones, a visionary in the world of music and entertainment, has passed away at 91. Known for his groundbreaking work with artists like Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Aretha Franklin, Jones died peacefully at his Bel Air home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family, according to his publicist, Arnold Robinson.
Jones’ family released a heartfelt statement on his passing: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. We celebrate his incredible life and know there will never be another quite like him.”
Jones’ career, which spanned over seven decades, solidified him as one of the most versatile and influential figures in entertainment history. From producing Michael Jackson’s legendary albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, to working with jazz icons like Count Basie and film stars like Will Smith, Jones’ influence permeated nearly every genre of popular culture.
Aside from producing chart-topping albums, Jones composed music for dozens of films and television shows. He scored classics like The Italian Job, In the Heat of the Night, and The Color Purple—the latter earning him three Academy Award nominations. He even broke barriers by becoming the first African American nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song in 1968.
Jones’ prolific career extended beyond music. He founded his own TV and film production company in 1990, producing The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, a hit that helped launch Will Smith’s career and remains a cultural touchstone. Well into his later years, he continued to innovate, launching Qwest TV, an on-demand music service, in 2017. He holds 28 Grammy Awards and is among the most nominated individuals in the history of the awards with 80 nominations, trailing only Jay-Z and Beyoncé.
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Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones’ early exposure to music came from listening to a neighbor play piano and his mother’s singing. His passion for music grew after he and his father moved to Washington state, where he joined his high school band and became proficient in multiple instruments. By age 14, he was playing in Seattle clubs alongside a young Ray Charles.
Jones’ remarkable journey led him to perform with jazz giants, tour South America and Europe, and study in Paris, where he mingled with figures like Pablo Picasso and Josephine Baker. He became a key player in the jazz and pop scenes, eventually taking on roles as an arranger, producer, and composer at Mercury Records.
His association with Frank Sinatra began in 1958, when he was invited by Grace Kelly to arrange music for Sinatra’s band. Their partnership continued for decades, culminating in Sinatra’s final album, LA Is My Lady. Jones’ talents also reached mainstream audiences in the ’60s, producing hits like Lesley Gore’s “It’s My Party” and later embracing the funk and disco eras with popular records for George Benson, Chaka Khan, and others.
Jones leaves behind an unmatched legacy, remembered for his ability to bridge genres and push boundaries in entertainment. His family, friends, and countless admirers around the world mourn his passing while celebrating the immeasurable impact he made on music, film, and culture.
