The world has lost a colossal figure in the realm of music and culture.
Quincy Jones, the legendary musician and producer who shaped the careers of icons like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, has died at the age of 91.
His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that Jones passed away peacefully on Sunday night at his home in Bel Air, BBC News reports.
Jones’ family released a heartfelt statement expressing their profound sense of loss but also celebrating the extraordinary life he led.
“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,” the family’s statement read.
Jones, whose career spanned over 75 years, was an architect of modern music, having won a staggering 28 Grammy awards. His influence was so significant that Time magazine named him one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century.
He was pivotal in redefining how we understand music production, especially noted for producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the best-selling album of all time.
And Jones’ collaboration with Sinatra transformed the classic ‘Fly Me To The Moon’ from a waltz into a swinging hit that continues to stand the test of time.
Jones’ impact was not confined to music alone. He left an indelible mark on film and television as well, producing the soundtrack for over 50 projects including the iconic 1969 film, The Italian Job. He also produced The Color Purple, a film that introduced Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg to a global audience, and was one of the masterminds behind the beloved TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
In 1985, he was instrumental in creating ‘We Are the World’, a song that brought together 46 of America’s most famous singers to raise money for famine relief in Ethiopia. The record topped charts and became a defining moment of the decade, performed at the historic Live Aid concert that year.
Jones’ legacy highlights a man who was a trailblazer – a man who broke barriers, becoming the first Black person to be nominated for an Oscar for best score – among many other accolades across entertainment, including Emmys, Tonys, and Oscars.
Survived by three ex-wives and seven children, including music producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones, his family remembers him as “truly one of a kind” and assures that “through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
Tributes have poured in from all corners of the arts, from fans and colleagues alike.
Playwright Jeremy O’Harris took to social media to remark on Jones’ “limitless” contributions to American culture.
O’Harris wrote: “What couldn’t he do? Quincy Jones, literally born when the limits on how big a black boy could dream were unfathomably high, taught us that the limit does not exist. His contributions to American culture were limitless. First black person nominated for an Oscar for best score. First black person nominated later twice in the same year. The producer of inarguably the biggest albums of the 20th century. An EGOT.”
Quincy Jones was more than just a musician; he was a visionary. As we bid farewell to one of the greatest creative minds in the entertainment industry, it’s safe to say that his melodies will continue to echo for generations to come.
Our thoughts go out to Jones’ family, friends, and fans at this time.
