Quincy Jones, one of the most influential figures in American music, has passed away at the age of 91. The legendary producer, composer and multi-talented musician died Sunday night at his Bel Air home in California, according to his representative, Arnold Robinson.
While a cause of death was not disclosed, his family expressed heartfelt sentiments in their announcement, saying, “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. 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.”
With a career spanning seven decades, Jones left an indelible mark on nearly every facet of popular music. Winning an astounding 28 Grammy Awards, he was recognized for his work as a producer on acclaimed projects, including his 1990 album “Back on the Block”. Jones also made history as the first Black artist to compose the score for a major motion picture, 1964’s The Pawnbroker, and was honoured with an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Score and Song seven times throughout his career. In 1995, he became the first Black recipient of the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, solidifying his position as a entertainment pioneer.
Jones, who came to be affectionately known as “Q,” began his journey in jazz and became a towering figure in pop music. His signature productions with Michael Jackson remain among the most celebrated in music history. Their first collaboration, Jackson’s “Off the Wall” (1979), broke records with estimated sales of over 20 million copies worldwide.
The pair followed up with “Thriller” (1982), an album that transformed pop culture and remains the bestselling album of all time, with over 110 million copies sold globally. For “Thriller,” Jones received the Grammy for Album of the Year and Record of the Year for “Billie Jean,” reinforcing his role as a revolutionary producer. The two later reunited for “Bad” (1987), which also topped global charts and further demonstrated Jones’ uncanny ability to craft music that resonated across generations.
Beyond his collaborations with Jackson, Jones made history as the producer of “We Are the World” (1985), the iconic charity single aimed at African famine relief. This star-studded project, co-written by Jackson and Lionel Richie, became a rallying cry for unity and hope and demonstrated Jones’ commitment to using music as a force for positive change.
Quincy Jones’ impact extended far beyond awards and accolades. His approach to music and his contributions to the industry were pioneering for Black artists, inspiring future generations with both his art and his resilience. His family honoured his legacy in their statement, saying, “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
Jones’ legacy as a bandleader, composer, arranger and producer will remain as enduring as the music he created. His contributions forever changed the landscape of American pop and jazz, and his music will continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.
