Quincy Jones, a true titan of the music industry whose illustrious career spanned decades and genres, has passed away at the age of 91. His legacy is immense, encompassing the production of Michael Jackson’s seminal “Thriller” album, award-winning film and television scores, and collaborations with legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and countless others. Jones’s publicist confirmed his death on Sunday night at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by his family. He was slated to receive an honorary Academy Award later this month.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” his family stated. “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.”
Jones’s journey from the tough streets of Chicago’s South Side to the pinnacle of show business is a testament to his extraordinary talent and resilience. He broke significant racial barriers in Hollywood, becoming one of the first Black executives to achieve such prominence. His unparalleled musical catalog features some of the most iconic moments in American rhythm and song, making it rare to find a music enthusiast or industry leader who didn’t have a connection to his work.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jones mingled with presidents, foreign leaders, movie stars, and fellow musicians. He toured with jazz greats like Count Basie and Lionel Hampton, arranged music for legendary vocalists such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, composed the impactful scores for “Roots” and “In the Heat of the Night,” organized President Bill Clinton’s first inaugural celebration, and helmed the production of the all-star charity single “We Are the World” in 1985. Lionel Richie, who co-wrote “We Are the World,” aptly described Jones as “the master orchestrator.”
The “Thriller” Era and Beyond
Jones’s most celebrated work undoubtedly includes his collaborations with Michael Jackson, producing the groundbreaking albums “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad.” These albums achieved near-universal appeal, and Jones’s innovative production and arrangements were instrumental in catapulting Jackson from a child star to the “King of Pop.” On hits like “Billie Jean” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough,” Jones and Jackson crafted a global sound by masterfully blending disco, funk, rock, pop, R&B, jazz, and African chants. For “Thriller,” Jones’s creative input was crucial, including recruiting Eddie Van Halen for the iconic guitar solo on “Beat It” and securing Vincent Price for the haunting voiceover on the title track.
“Thriller” alone sold over 20 million copies in 1983, solidifying its place as one of the best-selling albums of all time. Jones emphasized the producer’s critical role in an album’s success: “If an album doesn’t do well, everyone says ‘it was the producers fault’; so if it does well, it should be your ‘fault,’ too,” he stated in a 2016 interview.
A Multifaceted Career and Cultural Impact
Jones’s extensive list of honors and awards is staggering, including 28 Grammys, an honorary Academy Award, and an Emmy for “Roots.” He also received France’s Legion d’Honneur and a Kennedy Center tribute for his significant contributions to American culture. His life and career were chronicled in documentaries and his best-selling memoir, “Q.”
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones often spoke of the influence of his mother’s hymns on his early musical sensibilities. However, his childhood was marked by significant challenges, including his mother’s emotional struggles and institutionalization, which profoundly impacted him. Music, however, became his salvation. He discovered a passion for the piano at a young age and later excelled at the trumpet, befriending Ray Charles. A scholarship to Berklee College of Music was deferred when he joined Lionel Hampton’s band on tour.
Jones navigated the complexities of the music business, moving from freelance composing and arranging to becoming a vice president at Mercury Records in the early 1960s, overcoming racial barriers. In 1971, he made history as the first Black musical director for the Academy Awards. His production company, Quincy Jones Entertainment, was involved in ventures like Vibe magazine and Qwest Broadcasting.
His ability to connect with virtually every genre of American music was remarkable, from arranging Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon” to producing Ray Charles’s “In the Heat of the Night.” He collaborated with jazz legends, rappers, crooners, pop singers, and R&B stars. The production of “We Are the World” alone brought together an incredible roster of talent including Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder, and Bruce Springsteen. Jones also composed over 35 film scores and produced the theme song for the sitcom “Sanford and Son.”
Jones was also instrumental in launching and developing the careers of many stars. He gave Will Smith a pivotal role in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and introduced audiences to Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg through his production of “The Color Purple.” His partnership with Michael Jackson, which began with “The Wiz,” led to the “Off the Wall” album, a commercial success that ironically helped quiet critics who deemed Jones “too jazzy” for Jackson’s pop audience.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Despite his professional triumphs, Jones faced personal struggles, including a near-fatal brain aneurysm in 1974 and periods of depression. A father to seven children from five different relationships, he candidly described himself as someone who had numerous romantic relationships. He was married three times, including to actress Peggy Lipton.
Jones’s perspective on activism evolved significantly after attending the funeral of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968 and subsequently befriending the Rev. Jesse Jackson. He became deeply committed to philanthropy, believing that “the best and only useful aspect of fame and celebrity is having a platform to help others.” His charitable endeavors included combating HIV/AIDS, supporting children’s education, and aiding the impoverished worldwide. He founded the Quincy Jones Listen Up! Foundation, dedicated to connecting young people with music, culture, and technology, driven by “a spirit of adventure and a criminal level of optimism.”
Reflecting on his extraordinary life, Jones once stated, “Life is like a dream, the Spanish poet and philosopher Federico Garcia Lorca said. Mine’s been in Technicolor, with full Dolby sound through THX amplification before they knew what these systems were.”
Jones is survived by his daughters Jolie Jones Levine, Rachel Jones, Martina Jones, Kidada Jones, and Kenya Kinski-Jones; son Quincy Jones III; brother Richard Jones; and sisters Theresa Frank and Margie Jay.
His immense contributions to music and culture will continue to resonate for generations to come. Explore more of his iconic work and discover the timeless melodies that defined an era.