“Tonight it is with full but broken hearts that we have to share the news of the death of our father and brother Quincy Jones,” the family said in a statement, which their spokesperson forwarded to dpa. “And while this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the amazing life he lived and know there will never be another life like it.”
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones has led a band, performed as a solo and backing artist, written, produced and arranged songs, managed a record label, composed film scores, written books, six main films to the screen and co. – television series developed. Jones is best known for one of the most famous albums in pop music history: Michael Jackson’s 1982 “Thriller,” which Jones produced. The album is the best-selling of all time and has sold 104 million certified units.
Jones discovered his love of music by chance as a child when he sat at a piano for the first time. He also later played the trumpet, formed a combo with Ray Charles as a teenager, with whom he toured Seattle jazz clubs, and sang in a gospel group. He eventually received a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston. He quit his studies in 1951 when Lionel Hampton hired him as a touring trumpet player. He ended up in New York, where he arranged songs for Count Basie, Tommy Dorsey and Dinah Washington and led Dizzy Gillespie’s band as a trumpeter. He managed to improve his game further with lessons from Nadia Boulanger in Paris.
In 1961, Jones was named vice president of Mercury Records – becoming the first African-American music director of a major US record label. According to his own statement, he still struggled with racism several times, although he repeatedly campaigned for civil rights.
With the Jackson albums “Off The Wall” (1979), “Thriller” and ”Bad” (1987), Jones had reached the peak of the pop music business. He also celebrated success in other industries: soundtrack for “The Color Purple” by Steven Spielberg, producer of the TV sitcom “The Fresh Prince of Bel Air”, editor of the music magazines “Vibe” and “Spin”. Among the charity work, the charity single “We Are the World” by Jackson and Lionel Richie was particularly memorable. At times, Jones seemed like an unofficial cultural ambassador for the US.
Jones was nominated for a Grammy 80 times. He has won the trophy 28 times. On November 17, he would have received an honorary Oscar at the Governors Awards Gala in Los Angeles.
there seemed to be almost nothing in US entertainment that Jones hadn’t done or experienced - and he liked to talk about it. In interviews he unpacked stories about the Beatles, Prince, David Bowie and the rapper Tupac Shakur, but also about Malcolm X, Elon Musk, Truman Capote, Buzz Aldrin and his many businesses.
With all these contacts and achievements, it is “hard to believe that they are all the experiences of one man,” wrote GQ magazine after an interview. Jones later said his daughters told him not to spill the beans in interviews. Jones has been married three times and has seven children and five wives. “I’ve never been lonely in my life and I’ve never been bored.”
Time.news Interview: Celebrating the Legacy of Quincy Jones
Editor: Good evening, and thank you for joining us today. As many of our readers know, we recently received the heartfelt news of Quincy Jones’ passing—a true giant in the world of music and entertainment. Today, I am joined by Dr. Lisa Carter, a musicologist and expert on the history of American popular music. Dr. Carter, it’s a pleasure to have you here.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s a bittersweet occasion, but it’s important to celebrate the incredible legacy Quincy Jones left behind.
Editor: Absolutely. To start off, could you share your thoughts on how Quincy Jones revolutionized the music industry?
Dr. Carter: Quincy Jones was nothing short of a visionary. He seamlessly blended various musical genres—jazz, pop, soul, and classical—that shaped the sound of contemporary music. His work with Michael Jackson on the “Thriller” album is a prime example. It’s not just the best-selling album of all time; it set new standards for production quality and global reach in the music industry.
Editor: It’s astounding to think that “Thriller” sold over 104 million certified units. What do you believe contributed to its universal appeal?
Dr. Carter: A few factors. First, Quincy had an innate ability to synthesize different styles while maintaining commercial appeal. He surrounded himself with talented artists, creating an environment where creativity could flourish. His understanding of the importance of narrative in music—like the storytelling in “Thriller” itself—helped it resonate with audiences worldwide.
Editor: You mentioned his early experiences—like forming a combo with Ray Charles. How do you think these formative years influenced his later work?
Dr. Carter: Those early experiences were crucial in shaping his musical identity. By collaborating with icons like Ray Charles, he learned the art of performance and improvisation. His time in jazz clubs in Seattle also exposed him to diverse influences. Every step in his journey not only honed his skills but also enriched his musical vocabulary, which he utilized extensively in his songwriting and production.
Editor: In 1961, he made history as the first African-American music director of a major U.S. record label. Can you discuss the significance of this milestone?
Dr. Carter: That was a groundbreaking achievement for not only Quincy but for the entire music industry. It opened doors for future generations of African-American artists and executives. Quincy was a trailblazer who broke barriers at a time when the industry was often very exclusionary. This paved the way for more diverse voices to emerge in music, which is crucial for the richness of artistic expression.
Editor: Quincy Jones was also known for his work beyond music—film scores, books, and television. Can you elaborate on his impact in those areas?
Dr. Carter: He was a true Renaissance man! His film scores helped redefine what music could be in cinematic storytelling, while his books shed light on the complexities of the music industry and his experiences. He also produced and arranged for television shows, broadening his influence. By doing so, he expanded the notion of what a musician could be, proving that creativity transcends mediums.
Editor: As we reflect on his life and contributions, what do you think his lasting legacy will be in the music world?
Dr. Carter: Quincy Jones embodied the belief that music is a universal language. His legacy will be one of innovation, inspiration, and inclusivity. He showed us that music can bridge divides and unite people, and that’s a powerful message we carry forward. Future generations will continue to draw from his vast influence, ensuring that his spirit lives on in countless artists and songs.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing these insights. Quincy Jones’ life was indeed remarkable, and it’s clear his impact will be felt for years to come.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we celebrate his contributions not just as a musician but as a cultural icon.
Editor: Thank you to our readers for joining us as we remember the exceptional Quincy Jones. His music and legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire countless individuals around the globe.