Quincy Jones, the celebrated American music producer, composer, and entertainment visionary who shaped the careers of stars from Michael Jackson to Frank Sinatra, passed away peacefully at his Bel Air home on Sunday at the age of 91. His family shared the news, expressing both heartbreak and gratitude for his impactful life, saying, “There will never be another like him.”
Jones’ storied career spanned over 75 years and crossed multiple genres and media. Known best for producing Michael Jackson’s record-breaking albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, Jones also worked with jazz legends like Count Basie and Ray Charles, pop stars including Aretha Franklin and Donna Summer, and composed soundtracks for more than 50 films, including The Italian Job and The Color Purple. He was a Grammy powerhouse, with 28 awards and 80 nominations, and held prominent roles in film and television, producing iconic shows like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Jones also made history with We Are the World, the charity single he produced in 1985 alongside Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie to aid Ethiopian famine relief. This defining moment in music raised millions and featured top artists such as Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, and Cyndi Lauper.
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones’ early life was marked by musical exploration, eventually leading him to work with jazz icons and study in Paris. He became a pioneering African American figure in Hollywood, earning multiple Oscar nominations for his compositions and becoming the first Black person nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song.
His influence extended beyond music, founding the media company Qwest Broadcasting and the music magazine Vibe, and supporting numerous social causes. Jones was married three times and had seven children, including music producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones. Tributes from artists and admirers worldwide, including LL Cool J and Darius Rucker, honor his legacy as an irreplaceable figure whose contributions transformed American culture and music.
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