Quincy Jonesfamous producer of Michael Jackson y Frank Sinatratrumpeter and companion of Ray Charles, died to the 91 yearsafter an intense career that turned him into music history.
Jones He died on Sunday at his home in Los Angelssurrounded by his family, his agent indicated, Arnold Robinsonin a statement that did not specify the cause of death.
“With a full but broken heart, we share the news of the death of our father and brother Quincy Jones“The family of the American musician wrote in the statement.
“And although it is a huge loss for our family, we celebrate the great life he lived and know that there will never be another like him,” he added.
Extroverted and sociable, he personified a part of music history: friend of Ray Charlesmusical director of Dizzy Gillespiearranger of Ella Fitzgerald and led the last great performance of Miles Daviswhich became the album “Live from Miles & Quincy in Montreux”.
This son of Chicago produced from to Aretha Franklin up to Celine Dionand unleashed a cultural earthquake by launching the young man’s solitary career Michael Jacksona musical marriage that produced “Thriller” and changed pop forever.
“Quincy has done it all. “He has been able to express his genius in any type of sound,” declared the jazz pianist. Herbie Hancock to PBS in 2001.
Quincy Jones’s life before music
Quincy Delight Jones Jr. was born on March 14, 1933 in Chicago. His mother suffered from schizophrenia and was hospitalized when he was a child.
Quincy and his brother Lloyd They grew up in difficult conditions with their grandmother in Louisville.
When he reached pre-adolescence he returned to Chicago to live with his father, a carpenter in the service of the mafia.
“I wanted to be a mobster until I was 11,” Jones said in 2018 in a documentary that chronicled his career, directed by his daughter, actress Rashida Jones.
After moving to Seattle with his brother, Quincy discovered his skill at the piano at a recreation center, and the love story began.
This is how he started in the music industry
Jones began playing in small venues. He wrote his first composition and developed musical arranging and trumpet skills.
met Ray Charles -future pioneer of blues and bebop- after one performance, and the duo became a pillar of local music.
Jones studied briefly in Berklee College of Music in Massachusetts, before joining Lionel Hampton’s tours and moving to Nueva Yorkwhere he became known as an arranger for celebrities that included Duke < rn
Ellington, Dinah Washington, Count Basie and, of course, Charles.
In debt, Jones moved to the business side of the music business, landing a job at Mercury Records, where he rose to the position of vice president.
“When it came to really controlling a label and music, it wasn’t black people who controlled it,” Hancock said. “Our hands were tied.”
“Quincy (…) opened the door,” he said.
Quincy Jones’ work in Hollywood
Jones also worked in Hollywood in television shows and movies.
He wrote his own hits, such as “Soul Bossa Nova” while making arrangements at a dizzying pace for dozens of stars in the music industry.
Worked with Sinatra arranging the most famous version of “Fly Me To The Moon” and forged a personal and musical relationship with the singer until his death.
Jones founded a record label, a hip-hop magazine and produced the famous television show “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” which brought fame to Will Smith.
led to Oprah Winfrey to the big screen by introducing her to Steven Spielberg, who recruited her to act in the film “The Color Purple” for which she was nominated for Oscar.
supported Martin Luther King Jr and humanitarian causes in Africa
He brought together dozens of pop stars to sing the classic “We Are the World”to raise funds against the famine in Ethiopia in 1985.
Dream big
The intense personal life of Jones did not lag behind in comparison to her career. He married three times and had seven children.
He suffered several health problems, including a near-fatal brain aneurysm in 1974, after which he stopped playing the trumpet.
Jones He said he suffered a “nervous breakdown” in 1986 due to overwork, and in 2015 he was in a diabetic coma and had a massive blood clot that led him to give up alcohol.
Among the most decorated figures in show business, he has won virtually all of the industry’s biggest awards, including 28 Grammys.
He also obtained a Emmyand Tonyand a Oscar honorary.
Quincy Jones He is the father of the actress, Rashida Jones.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Music Expert: Celebrating Quincy Jones
Editor: Thank you for joining us today! The music world is mourning the loss of Quincy Jones, a legendary figure whose impact on music is immeasurable. Can you start by sharing your thoughts on his significance?
Expert: Absolutely, it’s an honor to discuss Quincy. His passing marks the end of an era. Quincy Jones was not just a producer; he was a musical genius who shaped modern music history. His collaborations with icons like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra redefined genres and set new standards for what was possible in music.
Editor: You mentioned his collaborations. Quincy had such a diverse career, working from the jazz era with artists like Ray Charles to pop legends like Celine Dion. How do you think his versatility contributed to his enduring success?
Expert: Quincy had an incredible ability to merge different musical styles. This adaptability allowed him to stay relevant across decades, which is rare in the music industry. He was equally at home producing a soulful ballad or a big band piece, always bringing a unique touch that made each project stand out. His work with Michael Jackson, particularly on “Thriller,” is a perfect example of this—melding rock, pop, and R&B in a way that captivated audiences worldwide.
Editor: Let’s talk about his background. Quincy faced quite a few challenges growing up, including a difficult family situation. How do you think these experiences shaped his musical career?
Expert: Quincy’s upbringing in a tough environment undoubtedly instilled a resilience that served him well in the music business. His early experiences with music in a recreation center in Seattle were pivotal. They provided an escape and a means to express himself. His struggles helped him connect with the emotions in music, which translated into his ability to create powerful, relatable art throughout his life.
Editor: Johnson transitioned from a performer to a prominent figure in music production and even ventured into the business side. How significant was his role in breaking barriers for artists of color in the industry?
Expert: Quincy was a trailblazer. At a time when black artists were often relegated to the sidelines, he rose to a position of power within the industry—becoming vice president at Mercury Records. His success opened doors for many other artists and paved the way for more diverse representation in the business. He strategically placed himself in positions where he could effect real change.
Editor: Alongside his musical achievements, Quincy was involved in Hollywood, working on film scores and television shows. Can you highlight some of his most notable contributions in that arena?
Expert: Certainly! Quincy wrote memorable scores and themes, including “Soul Bossa Nova,” which became widely known through its use in shows like “Austin Powers.” His work on films and TV defined the sound of several generations. His arrangements for Sinatra, particularly his iconic version of “Fly Me to the Moon,” showcased not just his musical talent but his ability to enhance cinematic narratives through music.
Editor: As we reflect on his legacy, what do you think is the most important lesson that musicians today can learn from Quincy Jones’s life and work?
Expert: The most significant lesson is to remain fearless in your creativity. Quincy was never afraid to experiment and push boundaries. His collaborations were marked by innovation, and he constantly sought to blend new ideas, even if they were unpopular at the time. Today’s artists can learn that true artistry often lies in taking risks and embracing versatility.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights! Quincy Jones’s legacy will undoubtedly live on through the music and artists he inspired.
Expert: It was a pleasure discussing Quincy. He was a musical titan, and we are all better for his contributions.