Quincy Jones, the iconic American musician and producer who collaborated with stars such as Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, has passed away at age 91. Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that the music legend “passed away peacefully” on Sunday night at his home in Bel Air, California.
In a statement, Jones’ family expressed their sorrow: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. Although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Jones, best known as the producer behind Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking Thriller album, had a career spanning over 75 years. He won 28 Grammy Awards and was recognized by Time magazine as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century. Early in his career, he worked with Frank Sinatra, notably transforming “Fly Me to the Moon” from a waltz to a swing.
Jones’ collaboration with Jackson extended beyond Thriller; he produced Jackson’s albums Off the Wall and Bad, which collectively sold tens of millions of copies worldwide. In 1985, Jones assembled a star-studded group, including Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, and Tina Turner, to record “We Are the World,” a charity single for famine relief in Ethiopia that became a global hit.
Beyond music, Jones left an indelible mark on film and television. He composed scores for more than 50 films and TV shows, including The Italian Job (1969) and The Color Purple (1985), the latter introducing Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg to the public. He also helped produce The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, starring a young Will Smith.
Jones was celebrated across the entertainment world, receiving multiple Grammy Awards, an Emmy, and nominations for Tony and Academy Awards. He was married three times and leaves behind seven children, including music producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones.
Tributes have poured in from around the world. Playwright Jeremy O’Harris called Jones’ contributions to American culture “limitless,” noting he was the first Black person nominated for an Oscar for best score. Rapper LL Cool J remembered him as a “mentor” and “role model,” while singer Darius Rucker described him as “one of the all-time greats.”
In the words of his family, “through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
Key Points:
- Passing of a Legend: Quincy Jones, celebrated music producer and musician, died at age 91 at his home in Bel Air, California.
- Legacy in Music: Known for producing Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller album, Jones won 28 Grammy Awards over a career that spanned more than 75 years.
- Influence in Film and Television: Jones composed scores for over 50 films and TV shows, produced The Color Purple, and helped launch The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
- Collaborations with Music Icons: Jones worked with Frank Sinatra, reimagining “Fly Me to the Moon,” and produced Jackson’s Off the Wall and Bad albums.
- Humanitarian Efforts: In 1985, he co-wrote and produced “We Are the World,” a charity single for famine relief in Ethiopia, bringing together 46 American music stars.
- Tributes from Across the Globe: LL Cool J, Jeremy O’Harris, and other artists praised Jones’ impact, with his family remembering him as “one of a kind.”
- A Lasting Influence: With awards across Grammy, Emmy, and Academy categories, Jones’ contributions to music and culture remain unmatched.
