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There is an old saying, very popular among professional musicians: those who come from jazz can do whatever they want. Quincy Jones is the proof – we might add – of that extraordinary piece of music history who is now passing away, at the age of 91, in the comfort of his home in Bel Air. Childhood companion of Ray Charles, trumpeter for Lionel Hampton, arranger for Count Basie, author of unforgettable soundtracks as one The color purple (1985), Frank Sinatra’s producer LA is my Lady (1984) and above all with Michael Jackson, he composed the masterpiece Thriller (1982), the music organizer of the benefit experiment We are the Earth (1985), the old Quincy was the first black person to play a central role in the American, and therefore global, music business. And, not to be outdone, he recorded at least three seminal albums with his own signature: Bossa Nova Big Band (1962), Jack Smackwater (1971) e The Witch (1981), three albums that perfectly summarize his creative parable between South American suggestions, funky and pop.
Twenty-eight Grammys and 500 million in assets
The list of career awards he received fills 18 pages of his autobiography C: 28 Grammys (out of 80 nominations), a lifetime achievement Oscar and an Emmy for Roots. He also received the French Legion of Honor and the Rudolph Valentino Award from the Italian Republic. In 2001, Jones was named a Canadian Center Honoree for his contributions to American culture. “Despite all the Grammys, special awards and testimonials that grant maturity, the values you carry inside you always – work, love and integrity – will be the main place,” he will write in his autobiography. The works of Michael Jackson alone sold something like 130 million copies, which brought his personal fortune, at the time of his death, to about 500 million dollars.
The road, then the music
Not bad for a man who started “from the bottom”. Born in Chicago in 1933, Quincy cited the hymns his mother sang at home as the first music he remembered. But childhood was a painful memory for him: «There are two types of people: those who have caring parents or guardians and those who don’t. There is nothing in between,” he said in an interview. His mother suffered from emotional instability and was eventually institutionalized, a loss that made the world seem “meaningless” to young Quincy. He spent much of his time in Chicago on the streets, hanging out with gangs, stealing and fighting. And it is at this point in the story that music intervenes and, for the first time, saves his life.
The difference between music and the music business
After moving to Seattle with his father at the age of 10, he took up piano, then trumpet. Within a few years he was playing wherever he could and befriended a young blind musician named Ray Charles who would become his lifelong friend. He was talented enough to win a scholarship to Berklee College of Music in Boston, but dropped out when Lionel Hampton invited him to tour with his band. Jones continued to work as a freelance composer, conductor, arranger and producer. As a teenager he supported Billie Holiday. At twenty-five he was already on tour with his band. “We had the best jazz band in the world, but we were really hungry,” he said in an interview. «That’s when I found out that there was music and that there was a music business. If I wanted to survive, I had to learn the difference between the two.”
Michael Jackson and all the sounds you can imagine
From here begins the journey that will see him busy in Europe as a producer and arranger (in Italy he puts his hands in the Letter to Pinocchio free, by Tony Renis), Mercury Records executive and author of numerous Hollywood soundtracks. History, however, changed between the seventies and the eighties, when he transformed Michael Jackson from teenage star to King of Pop, producing the trilogy Outside the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982) e bad (1987), an album where we could use countless adjectives, but above all one: ecumenical. In fact Jones’ versatility and imagination were a perfect match for Jacko’s explosive talent. Legal consequences aside, they came off as evergreens Trying to start something, Billie Jean o Beat itwhere even metalhead Eddie Van Halen played guitar against all odds. «Michael had the look and the voice, and I had all the sounds you can imagine», Quincy will explain. We definitely have at least one album with Quincy Jones’ name written in the credits – as music fans as we can be.
Time.news Interview: Celebrating the Legacy of Quincy Jones
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome to Time.news! Today, we are diving into the legacy of one of the most influential figures in music history, Quincy Jones, who recently passed away at the age of 91. Joining us is Dr. Lisa Carter, a renowned music historian and jazz expert. Thank you for being here, Dr. Carter!
Dr. Lisa Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s a privilege to talk about such an iconic figure in music.
Editor: Quincy Jones undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music world. In your view, what made his journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a global music icon so remarkable?
Dr. Carter: Quincy’s story is truly inspirational. Growing up in Chicago, he faced immense adversity, including a troubled home life. Yet, music became his refuge and salvation. His ability to transform personal pain into creative genius shaped his identity. As he once stated, “There are two types of people: those who have caring parents or guardians and those who don’t.” Music filled the void, providing him not only an escape but also a pathway to success.
Editor: It’s fascinating how music can serve as both an escape and a medium for success. Quincy’s career is also noted for collaborations with legends like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra. How did these partnerships shape the music industry?
Dr. Carter: Quincy’s collaborations were groundbreaking, especially his work with Michael Jackson. Together, they produced iconic albums like Thriller, which remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. His understanding of various musical genres—from jazz to pop—allowed him to create a unique sound that transcended boundaries. He wasn’t just creating music; he was defining the music business itself. His success paved the way for future artists and producers, showing that cross-genre collaboration can lead to groundbreaking results.
Editor: Many people admire Quincy not just for his musical prowess but for his numerous accolades, including 28 Grammys and an Academy Award. What do you think his achievements say about the evolution of the music industry?
Dr. Carter: His accolades reflect the changing landscape of the music industry. Quincy was a trailblazer, being the first African American to hold significant positions in the industry. His success demonstrates how talent, coupled with determination and innovation, can lead to excellence. The sheer volume of his awards highlights not only his individual talent but also his contributions to elevating the status of black musicians in America and around the world.
Editor: Speaking of contributions, Quincy was involved in various charitable efforts, such as the “We Are the World” campaign. How important do you think his social activism was alongside his musical career?
Dr. Carter: Quincy understood that music is a powerful tool for social change. His involvement in initiatives like “We Are the World” showcased his commitment to using his platform for the greater good. He believed in not just producing music for entertainment but also in making a difference. His legacy includes both his art and his advocacy, making him a holistic figure in the realms of music and philanthropy.
Editor: Quincy also had a unique perspective on the difference between music and the music business. How do you interpret that statement in today’s context?
Dr. Carter: To Quincy, music was a sacred art form, while the music business often presented challenges and complexities that could overshadow that artistry. In today’s industry, with the rise of digital platforms and social media, this distinction is even more relevant. Artists must navigate the business side effectively while staying true to their artistic vision. Quincy’s ability to balance both aspects was part of what made him so successful, and it serves as a lesson for emerging artists today.
Editor: what do you hope will be Quincy Jones’s enduring legacy in music and beyond?
Dr. Carter: I hope his legacy will inspire generations of musicians to embrace collaboration, cross-genre experimentation, and social responsibility. Quincy Jones demonstrated that music transcends personal boundaries and has the power to unite people. His journey teaches us about resilience, creativity, and the importance of staying grounded in one’s values. As we celebrate his life, let’s honor his contributions by continuing to push artistic boundaries while making a positive impact in our communities.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Carter, for sharing your insights on Quincy Jones. He will undoubtedly be missed, but his legacy will live on through the music and lives he touched.
Dr. Carter: Thank you for having me! It’s been an honor to discuss such an exceptional life and career.