Quincy Jones, the legendary American record producer, composer, and music visionary, has passed away at the age of 91.
Known for his groundbreaking work with artists like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles, the music legend died on Sunday, November 3, 2024.
In a statement on Monday, his publicist, Arnold Robinson said Quincy Jones passed away peacefully at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, with his family by his side.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement.
“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.”
Throughout his illustrious career, Quincy Jones collaborated with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including producing Michael Jackson’s iconic ‘Thriller’ album, which became one of the best-selling records of all time.
He also led the star-studded recording of “We Are the World” in 1985 to raise money for Ethiopian famine relief.
Born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Jones first gained fame as a jazz arranger and conductor in the 1950s.
He soon expanded into pop and film music, arranging hit songs for Lesley Gore, and working closely with Frank Sinatra and Count Basie.
Jones became the first Black musician nominated for an Academy Award in 1968 for his song “The Eyes of Love,” and he was nominated again that same year for the score of “In Cold Blood”
In 1971, he became the first Black musical director of the Oscars and later received the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
His lifetime achievements include 28 Grammy wins from 80 nominations, a Grammy Legend Award in 1992, and an induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Spanning more than 70 years, Quincy Jones’ legacy as one of the most influential figures in music history endures, as he paved the way for countless artists and reshaped the entertainment landscape.
This comes two months after Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5 and brother of the late Michael Jackson, died at the age of 70.