Quincy Jones, an extraordinary musician, composer, and cultural icon who helped shape the sound of modern music and entertainment, passed away at 91.
His legacy spans an astonishing 70-year career, earning 28 Grammy Awards, an honorary Academy Award, and the prestigious Legion d’Honneur from France. Renowned for his boundless talent and influence, Jones’ work touched every genre, from jazz and pop to hip-hop and film.
Born in 1933 in Chicago, Jones’ early years were filled with hardship, including the institutionalization of his mother, which left him searching for stability and solace. Music became his refuge. A fateful encounter with a piano at a local recreation center set him on a path that would transform his life and the lives of countless others. He soon picked up the trumpet and formed a friendship with a young Ray Charles, a partnership that would endure for decades.
Jones’ career took off quickly. By his twenties, he was arranging for jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and backing Billie Holiday. He won a scholarship to Berklee College of Music but left early to tour with Lionel Hampton’s band. By the 1960s, he had shattered racial barriers in the music industry as a vice president at Mercury Records and made history as the first Black musical director of the Academy Awards.
As a producer, Jones became a true star-maker, launching careers and creating timeless hits. He was instrumental in Michael Jackson’s success, producing iconic albums like Off the Wall and Thriller, the latter of which remains one of the best-selling albums in history.
Jones also helmed We Are the World, an anthem that united music icons including Stevie Wonder, Bruce Springsteen, and Bob Dylan to aid humanitarian efforts in Africa.
With a gift for blending genres, Jones’ influence crossed musical boundaries. He worked with artists like Frank Sinatra, Chaka Khan, and Snoop Dogg. From the swinging rhythm of Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon to the soulful saxophone in In the Heat of the Night, Jones was at ease with all forms of American music. His theme compositions also became cultural mainstays, including the unforgettable theme for Sanford and Son and music for Ironside.
Jones’ philosophy was grounded in respect for others’ talents, which he described in his autobiography: “My philosophy as a businessman has always come from the same roots as my personal credo: take talented people on their own terms and treat them fairly and with respect, no matter who they are or where they come from.”
This credo extended beyond his business ventures. His philanthropic efforts included the Quincy Jones Listen Up! Foundation, focused on connecting youth with music, culture, and technology. Inspired by the activism of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Jones dedicated himself to causes such as HIV/AIDS awareness and global education.
Jones eventually expanded into producing television and film projects including The Color Purple, which earned 11 Oscar nominations. He created The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, giving Will Smith his breakthrough role. A champion of talent, Jones founded Quincy Jones Entertainment and the magazine Vibe, all while championing social causes. His Quincy Jones Listen Up! Foundation aimed to connect youth with music, culture, and technology.
Last year, Jones’s career and birthday were celebrated at the famed Hollywood Bowl. Here are some highlights:
He is survived by his seven children: Rashida, Jolie, Rachel, Martina, Kidada, Kenya, and Quincy III, and siblings Richard, Theresa, and Margie. Jones’ life, as he described it, was like a “Technicolor dream filled with music, love, and adventure.” His contributions have left an indelible mark on American culture, and his spirit of optimism and creativity will inspire generations to come.
Rest in Power, Q.
ALSO READ:
This article was brought to you for FREE.
If you rely on Reel Chicago for your news then please
keep The REEL alive by contributing here.
