November 4th 2024.
The world of music and TV has lost one of its greatest minds. Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer and composer, passed away at the age of 91. Jones was known for his iconic collaborations with artists like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Michael Jackson, and his contributions to the industry will never be forgotten.
Jones' successful 70-year career included producing Jackson's iconic album Thriller in 1982, which remains one of the best-selling albums of all time. He was revered as one of the greatest minds in music and TV history. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that Jones passed away on Sunday at his home in Bel Air, surrounded by his loved ones.
In a heartfelt statement, Jones' family, including his daughter Rashida Jones who is known for her role in Parks and Recreation, announced his passing. They shared that while this is a great loss for their family, they choose to celebrate the incredible life Jones lived. They also expressed that there will never be another like him.
Jones was a trailblazer in Hollywood, becoming one of the first Black executives to make it big. He was the mastermind behind some of Michael Jackson's biggest hits, such as Billie Jean, Thriller, and Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough. He also produced for other iconic artists like Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer, and Sinatra. But Jones didn't stop there, he also made his mark as a successful composer, scoring dozens of films including The Italian Job and The Colour Purple.
In 1990, Jones founded his own TV and film production company, which went on to create the hit sitcom Fresh Prince of Bel Air, starring Will Smith. Even in his 80s, Jones continued to innovate and launched Qwest TV in 2017, an on-demand music TV service. He was nominated for the most Grammy awards of all time, with a staggering 80 nominations and 28 wins, second only to Beyoncé and Jay-Z.
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones discovered his passion for music in school, where he met his lifelong friend, Ray Charles. In a 2023 interview, Jones spoke highly of Charles, calling him the best friend he could've ever dreamed of having. He also credited Charles for teaching him the most important lesson about music, which is to break free from the restrictions of categories and let creativity flow.
Jones, along with Jackson, Lionel Richie, and producer Michael Omartian, also created the iconic charity single We Are the World in 1985, which raised funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. When Jackson passed away in 2009, Jones mourned the loss of a little brother and said that a part of his soul went with him.
Jones' life was not without its share of near-death experiences. In 1969, he narrowly escaped being a victim of Charles Manson's cult, as he had an appointment at Sharon Tate's house on the night of the infamous murders, but he forgot about it. He also survived a brain aneurysm in 1974. Jones was a proud father to seven children, and his legacy will live on through them.
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