Overview: Quincy Jones, the legendary composer, arranger, producer, bandleader, and recording artist, passed away at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by loved ones. Jones, 91 years old, was known for his work on Lionel Hampton’s classic, “Evening in Paris,” and his production of Ray Charles and Chaka Khan’s hit, “I’ll Be Good to You.” His album “Back on the Block” won six Grammys at the 1991 Grammy Awards. Jones was a pioneer in the music industry, breaking racial barriers and becoming the first Black musical director for the Academy Awards ceremony. His nonprofit Quincy Jones Listen Up! Foundation was committed to connecting children and young people with music, culture, and technology.
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From the stylings of the incomparable Lionel Hampton in 1957, on the classic, Evening in Paris, to the rhythms of I’ll Be Good to You recorded by Ray Charles and Chaka Khan in 1989, or any of the many memorable hits in between, the music legacy of the legendary Quincy Jones, lives on.
Jones, the larger than life composer, arranger, producer, bandleader and recording artist, slipped the bonds of physical life on Sunday, November 3, 2024. Jones, 91 years old, passed at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by loved ones.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in a statement. They continued. “[A]lthough 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.”
Jackson’s “Thriller” album purportedly sold about 70 million copies world wide, making it the best selling album ever. Much credit for the album’s success must go to its producer, Jones. In addition, music experts agree that Jones was essential to Jackson’s transition from child star to his recognition internationally as the “King of Pop.” Upon Jackson’s death, however, Jones would sue the Jackson estate for what he claimed were millions in unpaid royalties and production fees as detailed in an AP report. included among them.
Among Jones’ other musical achievements is his 1990 “Back on the Block” album which garnered a total of six grammys at the 1991 Grammy Awards event.
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones’ mother suffered from emotional problems and was eventually institutionalized. This experience shaped his early life and he turned to gangs for acceptance. It was music that would eventually shape his life.
Jones survived a brain aneurysm in 1974, eventually returning to his life’s passion, music. Jones even earned entry to the prestigious Berkelee College of Music in Boston, MA but never completed his work there because he accepted an offer to go on the road with Hampton.
In addition to music, Jones also made significant social impacts. As a music executive, he overcame racial barriers by becoming a vice president at Mercury Records in the early ’60s. In 1971, he became the first Black musical director for the Academy Awards ceremony. The first movie he produced, “The Color Purple,” received 11 Oscar nominations in 1986. He was an advocate for Aids and poor around the world. He combined his deep love of music and children with his nonprofit Quincy Jones Listen Up! Foundation.
Through his foundation, Jones was committed to connecting children and young people with a combination of music, culture and technology.
From Frank Sinatra to Snoop Dogg, from Donna Summers to Kanye West, the genius of Jones influenced the music of nearly every genre.
Jones wrote, “Once a task has just begun, never leave it till it’s done. Be the labor great or small, do it well or not at all.” Few can argue that Jones did his task of living, well. In doing so, left a legacy of amazing music to help uplift the lives of future generations.