Ace music producer Quincy Jones took his last breath at his house in LA, leaving a notable legacy for himself. Quincy Jones, the renowned record producer, songwriter, composer was seen as the genie who granted the wishes of up and coming music artists. He is best known for working with the ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Lesley Gore and has been a part of outstanding film productions as a composer and eventually as a producer himself.
Quincy Jones turned 91 by March, 2024 as the news of his demise was shared by his publicist and his family with a shared statement, according to The Guardian read, “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing, and 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.”
Quincy Jones was born in Chicago, Illinois from where he was introduced to music at a very early age by his mother. This involvement and interest took him to places and went on to be the most nominated person for the Grammys, 80 times, which is still a record. With 28 Grammys under his belt, Quincy Jones has produced Michael Jackson’s top three most successful million-dollars selling albums – “Off The Wall” (1979), “Thriller” (1982) which sold around 65 million copies worldwide and became the highest selling record album of all time and “Bad” (1987).
His work as an arranger with the two of the greatest Jazz Musicians of the 20th century Frank Sinatra and Count Baise and as a producer in backing Lesley Gore’s top four best selling albums. Quincy’s debut as a movie producer with the 1985 ‘The Colour Purple’ received 11 Oscar Nominations which includes Jones’s score for the movie.
Quincy Jones has not only introduced musical talents but also actors and personalities such as Will Smith through ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel Air’, Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey through ‘The Colour Purple’. Quincy’s legacy stands tall but not taller than his activism and achievements.
Quincy Jones has published an autobiography titled Q, published in 2001 also lists the awards and achievements including 28 Grammys, A Grammy Legend Award (1992) only 15 awardees in history, National Medal of Arts in 2011 honoured by President Obama. Even his autobiography was a bestseller, remarking him as an icon.
Quincy Jones is succeeded by 7 children from 3 marriages including actress Rashida Jones, Record producer and musician Quincy Jones III, actress Kidada Jones, Model Kenya Jones.
