Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer, composer, and musician whose impact on American pop culture is unmatched, has died at the age of 91.
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He passed away Sunday evening at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by family, his publicist confirmed. In a statement shared with People, Jones’s family expressed the immense pride and joy they feel for his accomplishments. “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’s passing,” they shared. “Though this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life he lived, knowing there will never be another like him.”
Known widely as the mastermind behind Michael Jackson’s Thriller—the best-selling album of all time—Jones’s career spanned seven decades, working with music icons like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin. But Jones was more than just a producer; he was a musician, an activist, and a mentor, revered for his immense talent and unparalleled versatility.
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones began his musical journey as a jazz trumpet player. He quickly rose to prominence in New York, working with some of the biggest names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie and Lionel Hampton. By the 1960s, Jones had become a fixture in Hollywood, composing soundtracks for classic films like The Italian Job and The Color Purple. In doing so, he broke barriers as one of the first Black composers to score major studio films.
His collaboration with Michael Jackson in the 1980s catapulted him into music’s stratosphere. Jones produced Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, three albums that not only defined Jackson’s career but also revolutionized pop music. Thriller alone has sold more than 70 million copies globally, and its impact on music, fashion, and culture remains influential today. Jones’s work on We Are the World, a 1985 charity single for famine relief, showcased his commitment to using music as a force for good. The song, co-written by Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Jones, became one of the best-selling singles of all time, raising millions for humanitarian efforts.
Beyond his work as a producer, Jones’s influence extended into television and film. His company, Quincy Jones Entertainment, produced the popular 1990s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which launched Will Smith’s career. He also founded Vibe magazine, a platform for Black artists and voices, underscoring his commitment to social issues and representation in media.
Throughout his life, Jones’s musical curiosity was boundless, crossing genres from jazz to pop to hip-hop. His Grammy achievements alone—28 awards from 80 nominations—are a testament to his prolific work. In 2017, he launched Qwest TV, a streaming service dedicated to jazz and global music, bringing his love for diverse sounds to new generations.
Jones is survived by his seven children, including actress Rashida Jones and music producer Quincy Jones III. His legacy is one of musical innovation, social activism, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
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