Legendary American Musician and Producer Quincy Jones Dies at 91

Renowned American musician and producer Quincy Jones, known for his collaborations with artists such as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles, has passed away at 91 years old. According to his publicist, Arnold Robinson, Jones “passed away peacefully” at his Bel Air residence on Sunday evening. His family released a statement saying, “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.” Jones gained significant recognition for producing Michael Jackson’s Thriller album. His career, which spanned over 75 years, saw him accumulate 28 Grammy Awards, and Time magazine recognized him as one of the 20th century’s most influential jazz musicians. He collaborated extensively with Frank Sinatra, notably transforming the classic song “Fly Me To The Moon” from a waltz into a swing arrangement. His work on the film The Wiz brought him together with a then 19-year-old Michael Jackson. Subsequently, he produced Jackson’s albums Off the Wall, Thriller (which sold 34 million copies in the US alone), and Bad. In 1985, Jones assembled 46 prominent American singers, including Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, and Cyndi Lauper, to record “We Are the World.” He co-wrote the track to generate funds for victims of a severe famine in Ethiopia. This recording served as the American counterpart to Band Aid’s “Do They Know It’s Christmas.” The song topped the charts in both the UK and the US and was featured at Live Aid. Additionally, Jones composed soundtracks for over 50 films and television programs, such as the 1969 British movie, The Italian Job. Michael Caine, who appeared in The Italian Job, honored Jones on X, describing him as “a titan in the musical world” and adding, “He was a wonderful and unique human being, lucky to have known him.” Sir Elton John also commended Jones, stating that “nobody had a career as incredible” as his. John wrote, “He played with the best and he produced the best. What a guy. Loved him.” Television producer Shonda Rhimes referred to him as “a legend, a visionary, a pioneer.” Dr. Dre posted on Instagram, “Quincy is the reason I decided to become a record producer,” and remarked that time spent “hanging out with him was priceless.” In cinema, Jones produced The Color Purple, a film that brought then-unknown talents Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg to public attention. Goldberg, in an Instagram tribute, called him “one of a kind.” For television, he served as one of the producers for the popular series The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. However, Jones’ primary domain of excellence was music; beyond his numerous Grammy wins, including a legend award in 1992, he also received accolades from the Emmys, Tonys, and Oscars. Jones was married on three occasions and had seven children, among them music producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones, recognized for her role in the US adaptation of The Office. His family described the music producer as “truly one of a kind” and stated that “through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.” Playwright Jeremy O’Harris was among the initial figures to offer condolences, writing on X that Jones’ “contributions to American culture were limitless” and highlighting his distinction as the first Black individual nominated for an Oscar for best score, among other accomplishments. Rapper LL Cool J, who had a brief relationship with Jones’ daughter Kidada Jones, posted on Instagram that Jones served as “a father and example at a time when I truly needed a father.” He further stated: “Mentor. Role model. King. You gave me opportunities and shared wisdom. Music would not be music without you.” Singer Victoria Monét affirmed that Jones’ “legacy will live on forever and ever,” while musician Nile Rodgers shared on X: “Rest in Power.” Ice T also offered homage, writing: “Genius is a description 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.” Singer Darius Rucker commented that we had “lost one of the all time greats,” and British DJ Tony Blackburn posted on X that Jones was a “musical genius.” Mathieu Jaton, CEO of the Montreux Jazz Festival, who collaborated with Jones for numerous years, stated that Jones’ spirit “will forever resonate” with the festival’s heritage. He also noted that Jones, acting as a co-producer in the 1990s, “helped elevate the festival to new heights.”