Quincy Jones, the multi-faceted music icon whose illustrious career spanned from producing Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking “Thriller” album to composing award-winning film and television scores, and collaborating with legends like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and countless other artists, has passed away at the age of 91.
Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that he died on Sunday night at his home in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family. “Tonight, with heavy yet grateful hearts, we must announce the passing of our father and brother Quincy Jones,” the family shared in a statement. “While this is an immense loss for our family, we rejoice in the extraordinary life he led and acknowledge that there will never be another like him.”
Jones’ journey from the rough streets of Chicago’s South Side to the pinnacle of the entertainment industry was nothing short of remarkable. He became one of the first African American executives to flourish in Hollywood, accumulating an unparalleled musical repertoire that encompasses some of the most iconic moments in American rhythm and song. For decades, it was rare to find a music enthusiast who didn’t own at least one record bearing his name, or a figure in the entertainment world and beyond who hadn’t been touched by his influence.
Jones mingled with presidents and foreign dignitaries, movie stars and musicians, philanthropists and business magnates. He toured with Count Basie and Lionel Hampton, arranged records for Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, composed the scores for “Roots” and “In the Heat of the Night,” orchestrated President Bill Clinton’s first inaugural celebration, and supervised the all-star recording of “We Are the World,” the 1985 charity single for African famine relief. Lionel Richie, who co-wrote “We Are the World” and was among the featured singers, often referred to Jones as “the master orchestrator.”
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