Renowned music producer, songwriter, and composer Quincy Jones has died peacefully at his Bel Air home, surrounded by family, at the age of 91. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed the news.
Jones’ family released a statement: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. We celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Jones was a trailblazing figure in the music industry, working with iconic artists like Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles. He was one of the first Black executives in Hollywood and produced Jackson’s groundbreaking ‘Thriller’ album.
Jones’ notable achievements include composing soundtracks for ‘Roots’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night’, leading his production company, which launched TV hits like ‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’, organizing President Bill Clinton’s first inauguration, and supervising the 1985 ‘We Are the World’ charity record.
With a record 80 Grammy nominations and 28 wins, Jones trails only Beyoncé and Jay-Z. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 and recognized by ‘Time Magazine’ as one of the 20th century’s most influential jazz musicians. Jones received the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award in 1995.
Jones married three times and is survived by seven children, including actress Rashida Jones. His remarkable life and contributions to music, entertainment, and culture will be remembered as one of the most extraordinary legacies in American music.
