Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer, composer, arranger, and entertainment visionary whose influence shaped much of American popular culture, has died at the age of 91. A powerhouse in the music industry and an architect of genres spanning jazz, pop, hip-hop, and film soundtracks, Jones “passed away peacefully” on Sunday night at his home in Bel Air, surrounded by his family, according to his publicist, Arnold Robinson.
“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’ family said in a statement.
Jones’ career spanned more than seven decades, marking him as one of the most influential figures in entertainment. From his early collaborations with jazz legends like Count Basie and Dinah Washington to producing Michael Jackson’s world-shattering album Thriller, Jones made his mark across multiple generations and styles. His work not only defined sounds but set standards for musical innovation and fusion. He also produced landmark projects such as Steven Spielberg’s film The Color Purple and the iconic NBC sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, solidifying his legacy as both a music mogul and cultural icon.
Born in Chicago in 1933, Quincy Delight Jones Jr. grew up amidst the vibrant sounds of early 20th-century jazz. He first developed an interest in music through his mother, who sang religious songs. After his parents divorced and his family moved to Bremerton, Washington, Jones studied trumpet, working with a young Ray Charles, who encouraged him to pursue his musical dreams. Jones would go on to briefly attend Schillinger House, now Berklee College of Music, before hitting the road with Lionel Hampton’s band in the early 1950s.
Throughout his career, Jones collaborated with a staggering array of artists, ranging from jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Oscar Pettiford to pop icons like Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin. His productions for Michael Jackson—Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad—sold millions and left a lasting imprint on pop music, with Thriller still standing as one of the highest-selling albums of all time.
Jones’ talents extended beyond music, making him a trailblazer in Hollywood. He became one of the first Black American executives at a major record label in the early 1960s when he joined Mercury Records, rising to the position of vice president. He also composed scores for films, including The Pawnbroker, In the Heat of the Night, and The Italian Job, showcasing his ability to blend genres and elevate cinematic storytelling through music.
His achievements have been widely recognized. Jones received 28 Grammy Awards, placing him third among all-time Grammy winners, and earned 80 Grammy nominations across his career. He received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2001, the National Medal of Arts from President Barack Obama in 2010, and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2021, he joined James Brown and Otis Redding as a foundational inductee in the Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame in Atlanta.
Jones’ work as a philanthropist was equally impactful. He organized the charity single We Are the World, enlisting a star-studded lineup to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. He also launched the music magazine Vibe, providing a platform for up-and-coming talent and giving voice to emerging musical styles. Even in his later years, he remained active, publishing his memoir Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones in 2001 and appearing in a 2018 Netflix documentary directed by his daughter, actress Rashida Jones.
Barack Obama once praised Jones for his ability to blend diverse musical elements, calling him “a master inventor of musical hybrids.” Jones’ profound contributions to entertainment and the arts have left a legacy that spans continents and generations, with no signs of fading.
Quincy Jones is survived by his children, who, like his fans and colleagues, celebrate his extraordinary life and contributions to music and culture. His departure is a monumental loss to the world, yet his influence remains a beacon in the history of music and entertainment.