BEL AIR (CelebrityAccess) – The music world is mourning the loss of Quincy Jones, a prolific producer, arranger, composer, and musician who left an indelible mark on nearly every corner of the industry. Jones passed away on Sunday night, November 3 at home in Bel Air, CA. News of his death was confirmed via his representative Arnold Robinson. A cause of death was not disclosed. He was 91. Jones was a towering figure who influenced countless artists and shaped the sound of modern music over a career that spanned more than seven decades.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And 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,” the Jones family said in the statement. “He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
Born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Jones’ journey through the music world was as diverse as it was iconic. His first major breakthrough came in the 1950s when he worked as an arranger for jazz legends like Count Basie and Duke Ellington. But Jones was more than just a behind-the-scenes force—he soon became one of the most sought-after producers in the world, lending his touch to a wide range of genres, including pop, R&B, and film scoring.
Quincy is perhaps best known for producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, and Off the Wall and Bad, making him a key architect of Jackson’s spectacular rise to superstardom. But his legacy didn’t stop there as his fingerprints are all over numerous other cultural milestones, from his work with artists like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin, to his groundbreaking soundtracks for films like The Color Purple and In the Heat of the Night.
Throughout his prestigious career – Jones earned a staggering 80 Grammy nominations, winning 28, including the Grammy Legend Award in 1991. His contributions extended beyond music – he was a trailblazer in bringing African-American talent to the forefront of Hollywood, and his philanthropic efforts were wide-reaching, particularly in education and humanitarian work.
In a 2018 interview published by Vulture, Quincy reflected on his career with humility, saying, “I’ve always wanted to be known for my curiosity and love of learning, not just the music.” His passion for collaboration and innovation defined his work, pushing boundaries and setting new standards for what music and entertainment could achieve.
Jones worked with an extraordinary number of successful artists across multiple genres establishing himself as a titan in the industry including Ray Charles, Count Basie, Elle Fitzgerald, Donna Summer, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, and Patti Austin to name a few.
As news of his death hit the entertainment world, tributes have continued to flood in via social media. You can read some of them below.
LL Cool J: “You were a father and example at a time when I truly needed a father and example. Mentor. Role model. King. You gave me opportunities and shared wisdom. Music would not be music without you. My condolences to the entire family. I love you. Rest in the sweetest music eternally.”
Jeremy O. Harris: “What couldn’t he do? Quincy Jones, literally born when the limits on how big a black boy could dream were unfathomably high, taught us that the limit does not exist. His contributions to American culture were limitless. First black person nominated for an Oscar for best score. First black person nominated later twice in the same year. The producer of inarguably the biggest albums of the 20th century. An EGOT. Father to some of pretty incredibly talented children as well and godfather to musicians around the world. RIP QUINCY.”
Ice T: “I woke up today to the Terrible news that we lost Quincy Jones.. Genius is a discription loosely used but Rarely deserved. Point blank, Quincy was the MAN. I won my 1st Grammy with Quincy and I live with his Wisdom daily. My condolences go out to his family who I had the honor of meeting. This one Hit me. God bless you KING.”
Rock and Roll of Fame (Jones was inducted in 2013): “He excelled at every role he took on. Producer, arranger, trumpeter, executive, and more, Jones won 28 Grammy Awards and guided historic sessions with such giants as Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, and Michael Jackson in addition to his groundbreaking work in film and television. Jones established the standard for innovation; accomplished and successful in every facet of the music industry, he set the model for the modern music mogul.”
Michael Huppe, President and CEO, SoundExchange: “Huge loss yesterday to the music world. A seminal force. From Michael Jackson to Count Basie to Frank Sinatra.”
Nile Rodgers:
Rest in Power #QuincyJones #leader #teacher #spirit #pioneer #thankyou pic.twitter.com/948RkENfzE
— Nile Rodgers (@nilerodgers) November 4, 2024
Jones is survived by his children, Rashida Jones and Quincy Jones III, and a legion of admirers who will forever be inspired by his contributions to the world of music and beyond. His influence will be felt for generations to come.
The world has lost a true giant, but Quincy Jones’ legacy will continue to live on through the countless artists he touched and the timeless music he helped create.
RIP.
