Quincy Jones, the musical genius behind countless timeless hits, has bid farewell at the age of 91.
At a Glance
- Quincy Jones, renowned music producer and composer, passed away at 91.
- He worked with iconic artists, including Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra.
- Jones was the first Black executive of a major record company in 1961.
- His production work, notably on “Thriller,” revolutionized modern music.
A Legacy of Musical Greatness
Quincy Jones, a titan of the music industry, revolutionized music production throughout his remarkable career. He died at 91, leaving behind a legacy that has forever altered the landscape of modern music. From collaborating with legends such as Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra to orchestrating scores for Hollywood films, Jones’s versatile talents shaped countless musical masterpieces.
The music world mourns the loss of Jones, who was described by his publicist Arnold Robinson as one of the most influential forces in American music. Known as the “master orchestrator,” his ability to bridge genres and styles created the soundtracks for generations, influencing artists and producers alike.
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones passes at 91; his family celebrates his extraordinary life and legacy. https://t.co/tUYnchVY3t
— 94.9 TNT (@949TNT) November 4, 2024
Pioneering Achievements and Contributions
Jones’s pioneering efforts include being the first conductor-arranger to incorporate the Fender bass in recordings during the mid-1950s. By 1961, Quincy made history as the first Black executive at Mercury Records. His unparalleled contributions extended beyond music; in 1985, he co-produced “The Color Purple,” which received 11 Oscar nominations.
“If an album doesn’t do well, everyone says ‘it was the producer’s fault’; so if it does well, it should be your ‘fault,’ too.” – Quincy Jones
Quincy’s accolades are vast, boasting 28 Grammy Awards, an Emmy, and a Tony, making him part of the exclusive EGOT club. He also left a cultural footprint in television as an executive producer of “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Jones’s legacy extends into humanitarian efforts, as he orchestrated the “We Are the World” project for famine relief in Africa.
Whitney Houston producer Narada Michael Walden on Quincy Jones' production:
"Quincy’s philosophy was an outhouse bottom with a penthouse view … It’s gotta have a stank on the bottom, and then be pretty with a skyline view on top."
More on his life and legacy:… https://t.co/7h4JcTBRLO pic.twitter.com/sfzMHiWeKV
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) November 5, 2024
A Personal Tribute
The Jones family released a heartfelt statement celebrating their patriarch’s life, eloquently expressing, “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing…He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created.”
Quincy leaves behind seven children and three siblings, who, alongside fans worldwide, honor a legacy that promises to inspire future generations. His career, which began on Chicago’s South Side, serves as a testament to overcoming adversity. Quincy Jones’s heart, evident in his music and boundless creativity, continues to beat for eternity.
Sources
2. Music Legend Quincy Jones Dies at 91
