By The 28-time Grammy winner was renowned for his collaborations with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and numerous other artists.
Quincy Jones, the legendary American music producer known for his work with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and many other iconic artists, has passed away at 91.
According to his publicist, Arnold Robinson, Jones died peacefully on Sunday night at his Bel Air home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family.
“With full but broken hearts, we share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement.
“While this is a profound loss for our family, we celebrate the remarkable life he lived, knowing there will never be another like him.”
Quincy Jones rose from a challenging start on Chicago’s South Side, where he ran with gangs, to becoming a trailblazer in the world of music and entertainment. As one of the first Black executives in Hollywood, Jones forged an extraordinary path, building a legacy of timeless music that reflects the heart of American rhythm and soul. His influence shaped generations, with his catalog featuring some of the most memorable songs and collaborations in music history.
For decades, Jones’ name was a staple in record collections across households, and his impact reached far beyond music, inspiring leaders and artists throughout the entertainment industry. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the enduring power of his music.
Jones mingled with presidents, global leaders, movie stars, musicians, philanthropists, and business moguls throughout his career. He toured with jazz legends Count Basie and Lionel Hampton, arranged iconic albums for Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, and composed memorable soundtracks for Roots and In the Heat of the Night. Jones even organized President Bill Clinton’s inaugural celebration and directed the all-star recording of We Are the World, the 1985 charity anthem for African famine relief.
Lionel Richie, who co-wrote We Are the World and performed on the track, fittingly called Jones “the master orchestrator.”
Beginning his career in the vinyl era when records spun at 78 rpm, Jones’ top achievements likely lie in his productions with Michael Jackson. Albums like Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad achieved a nearly universal appeal, showcasing a style that crossed boundaries and captivated listeners worldwide
Jones’ incredible versatility and creativity played a pivotal role in amplifying Michael Jackson’s rise from a young star to the “King of Pop.” Together, on iconic tracks like Billie Jean and Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, Jones and Jackson crafted a global sound, blending elements of disco, funk, rock, pop, R&B, jazz, and even African chants. Their collaboration broke new ground in music, creating a genre-blending soundscape that captivated audiences worldwide.
For Thriller, Jones’ distinct touch added to the album’s legendary status. He brought in rock guitarist Eddie Van Halen for the unforgettable solo on Beat It and invited Vincent Price to deliver a haunting voiceover on the title track. Thriller sold over 20 million copies in 1983 alone, challenging the Eagles’ Greatest Hits 1971-1975 for the title of best-selling album of all time.
Reflecting on his role, Jones once said in a 2016 Library of Congress interview, “If an album doesn’t do well, everyone says it’s the producer’s fault; so if it does well, it should be your ‘fault’ too. The tracks don’t just all of a sudden appear. The producer has to have the skill, experience, and ability to guide the vision to completion.”
Jones’ accomplishments and accolades are extensive, covering 18 pages in his 2001 autobiography, Q. He amassed 28 Grammy Awards, an honorary Academy Award (now two), an Emmy for Roots, and international honors like France’s Legion d’Honneur and Italy’s Rudolph Valentino Award. He was also celebrated with a Kennedy Center tribute for his impact on American culture.
Jones was the subject of a 1990 documentary, Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones, and a 2018 film by his daughter, Rashida Jones. His memoir became a bestseller, adding author to his list of achievements.