Posted: Monday, November 4, 2024. 9:35 am CST.
By Aaron Humes: Quincy Jones, a monumental figure in American music, has died at 91. Renowned as a musician and producer, he collaborated with icons like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra throughout his illustrious career.
Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, announced that he “passed away peacefully” on Sunday night at his residence in Bel Air. In a heartfelt family statement, they shared their sorrow, celebrating the extraordinary life he led and expressing the irreplaceable nature of his presence.
Best known for producing Michael Jackson’s legendary album, *Thriller*, Jones had a 75-year-long career which earned him 28 Grammy Awards. He was recognized by *Time* magazine as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century.
Early in his career, Jones worked closely with Frank Sinatra, transforming the classic “Fly Me To The Moon” from a waltz into a swinging masterpiece. He also forged a pivotal partnership with a young Michael Jackson while filming *The Wiz*, later producing Jackson’s groundbreaking albums *Off the Wall*, *Thriller*, and *Bad*, which sold millions of copies collectively.
In 1985, Jones gathered 46 of America’s biggest music stars—including Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, and Tina Turner—to create “We Are the World,” a charity single aimed at raising funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. This song became a cultural phenomenon, reaching the top of the charts in the U.K. and the U.S.
Jones also contributed to film, composing soundtracks for over 50 movies and TV shows, including the iconic British film *The Italian Job* and producing the acclaimed film *The Color Purple*, which helped launch the careers of Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg. On television, he was a key producer of the beloved series *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air*.
Beyond his Grammy accolades, Jones’ talents were recognized with awards from the Emmys, Tonys, and Oscars. He was married three times and had seven children, including music producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones, known for her role in the U.S. version of *The Office*.
Jones’ family described him as “truly one of a kind,” stating that his music and love will resonate for eternity. Many have begun to pay tribute to his legacy. Playwright Jeremy O’Harris highlighted Jones’ limitless contributions to American culture, noting he was the first Black person nominated for an Oscar for best score.
Rapper LL Cool J remembered Jones as a father figure during a pivotal time in his life, while singer Darius Rucker lamented the loss of “one of the all-time greats.” British DJ Tony Blackburn referred to him as a “musical genius,” reflecting Jones’s profound impact on the world of music.
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The post International News: Impresario and legendary producer Quincy Jones dead at 91 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Monday, November 4, 2024. 9:35 am CST. By Aaron Humes: Quincy Jones, a monumental figure in American music, has died at 91. Renowned as a
The post International News: Impresario and legendary producer Quincy Jones dead at 91 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
