Music legend Quincy Jones passed away on Sunday at age 91. Best known for producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller album, Jones leaves behind a massive legacy. From bringing artists together for 1985’s “We Are The World” to writing award-winning film and television scores to collaborating with countless recording artists including Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Lesley Gore and Aretha Franklin, Jones broke down racial barriers throughout his decades-long career.
Jones’ family said in a statement, “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. 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. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones was drawn to music at an early age, joining his school choir and band and learning to play multiple brass, reed and percussion instruments. He later said that music saved him, writing in his autobiography while recalling his first time playing his neighbor’s piano: “I went up there, paused, stared, and then tinkled on it for a moment. That’s where I began to find peace. I was 11. I knew this was it for me. Forever.”
He began his career as a trumpeter as a teenager and soon after moved to New York City, freelancing as an arranger for Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey, and Lionel Hampton. He then served as musical director for Dizzy Gillespie’s overseas big-band tour in 1956. He became the vice president of Mercury Records in 1961, becoming the first Black executive of a major record company.
Jones’ talent spanned genres, composing and arranging music for Sinatra’s 1964 album It Might As Well Be Swing, which included the hit song “Fly Me to the Moon” along with Count Basie’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You”, which won Jones his first Grammy. Also during this period, Jones entered the film and television industry, spawning an illustrious career composing scores for The Pawnbroker, In The Heat of the Night, Roots, The Wiz, The Color Purple and Sanford and Son, among many others.
In 1985 Jones, produced The Color Purple directed by Steven Spielberg for which he was nominated for the Oscar for both Best Original Score and Best Original Song. He also went on to be a producer for the 90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Throughout his career, Jones amassed hundreds of awards including 28 Grammys with three special awards and 80 nominations, making him the only person to win Grammys in six consecutive decades. He also received an Emmy, a Tony and seven Oscar nominations, winning both honorary and humanitarian Oscars, making him amongst only a few artists to earn an EGOT.
Jones was named a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2001 and received the National Medal of Arts from Former President Barack Obama in 2010, among numerous other accolades.
Beyond music, Jones used his fame toward his philanthropic efforts, rallying artists for “We Are The World” which raised funds for aid to support victims of the famine in Ethiopia and founding the Listen Up! Foundation to support young people by connecting them through music and technology. He also served on the Legal Defense Fund’s Board of Directors for over three decades as a champion for racial justice.
Jones will be remembered for his contributions to the music industry and for being at the helm of so many iconic cultural moments. An outpour of celebrities across industries have taken to social media to honor him, including Elton John, Whoopi Goldberg, Mariah Carey, Gladys Knight, Ice-T, Paul McCartney and Morgan Freeman.
Oprah Winfrey wrote in a tribute on her Instagram, “My beloved Q. The world’s beloved Q. The one and only Quincy Jones ‘discovered’ me for ‘The Color Purple’ movie in 1985,” adding, “I had never experienced, nor have since, anyone who’s heart was so filled with love.”
“You were a father and example at a time when I truly needed a father and example. Mentor. Role model. King. You gave me opportunities and shared wisdom. Music would not be music without you. My condolences to the entire family. I love you. Rest in the sweetest music eternally. #ripquincyjones one of one,” wrote LL Cool J on Instagram.
“Quincy Jones is the true definition of a Mentor, a Father and a Friend. He pointed me toward the greatest parts of myself. He defended me. He nurtured me. He encouraged me. He inspired me. He checked me when he needed to. He let me use his wings until mine were strong enough to fly,” wrote Will Smith on Instagram.
Jones is survived by his six daughters Jolie Jones Levine, Rachel Jones, Martina Jones, Kidada Jones, Rashida Jones and Kenya Kinski-Jones; son Quincy Jones III; brother Richard Jones and sisters Theresa Frank and Margie Jay.
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