Quincy Jones, the legendary music figure renowned for his extensive work with a wide array of artists from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, has passed away at the age of 91. His remarkable career spanned producing iconic albums like Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to composing award-winning scores for film and television, collaborating with artists such as Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles, and influencing countless others.
According to his publicist, Arnold Robinson, Jones died peacefully on Sunday night at his Bel Air residence in Los Angeles, surrounded by family members.
In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed, “With full but heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved father and brother Quincy Jones. Although this is a profound loss for us, we honor the incredible life he led and acknowledge his irreplaceable presence.”
Jones rose from his roots in the South Side of Chicago to become a towering figure in the entertainment industry, breaking barriers as one of the first Black executives in Hollywood and creating an unparalleled musical legacy. He was a household name among music enthusiasts, with his work reaching countless individuals and establishing connections with various industry leaders.
Throughout his illustrious career, Jones mingled with presidents, international dignitaries, film and music stars, philanthropists, and business luminaries. He toured with legendary musicians Count Basie and Lionel Hampton, arranged albums for Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, scored music for television classics like “Roots” and “In the Heat of the Night,” coordinated President Bill Clinton’s inaugural festivities, and directed the all-star project “We Are the World,” the 1985 hit record for African famine relief.
Lionel Richie, who worked alongside Jones on “We Are the World” and featured as one of its performers, described him fondly as “the master orchestrator.”
