Quincy Jones, music titan who worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, dies at 91
“That’s when I discovered that there was music, and there was the music business,” he told Musician magazine. “If I were to survive, I would have to learn the difference between the two.”
Quincy Jones, the legendary music icon known for producing Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking Thriller album, composing acclaimed film and television scores, and collaborating with legends like Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles, has passed away at 91.
Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that he died Sunday night at his Los Angeles home, surrounded by family.
"Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing," his family shared in a statement.
"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.”
Rising from a rough childhood in Chicago, Jones became one of Hollywood’s pioneering Black executives, amassing an extensive catalog of music and achievements that left an indelible mark on American culture.
For over fifty years, his work was nearly ubiquitous in the music industry, with records bearing his name owned by millions and his influence reaching countless musicians, actors, and producers.
Jones’ illustrious career saw him connected to presidents, world leaders, celebrities, and business figures. He performed with jazz greats like Count Basie and Lionel Hampton, arranged for Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, composed iconic soundtracks for Roots and In the Heat of the Night, organized President Clinton's first inauguration, and coordinated the all-star recording of "We Are the World."
Among his greatest accomplishments were his collaborations with Michael Jackson on Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Jones’ adaptability and vision complemented Jackson's talent, helping him evolve from a young pop star into the “King of Pop.”
With tracks like “Billie Jean” and “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” Jones fused disco, funk, rock, pop, R&B, jazz, and African rhythms. For Thriller, he added memorable elements, including Eddie Van Halen’s guitar solo on “Beat It” and Vincent Price’s haunting voiceover on the title track.
The album sold over 20 million copies in 1983 alone, helped Jackson break racial barriers on MTV, and influenced countless artists.
“Michael had the look and the voice, and I had every sound you can think of,” Jones explained.
Jones received numerous awards over his career, including 28 Grammys from 80 nominations, an honorary Oscar, and an Emmy for Roots.
He also earned France’s Legion d’Honneur, the Rudolph Valentino Award from Italy, and in 2001, he was honored by the Kennedy Center for his cultural contributions. His 1990 documentary Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones and his memoir Q further solidified his legacy.
Reflecting on his career in his autobiography, Jones wrote, “Despite all the Grammys and the special awards and testimonials that maturity bestows, it will always be the values you carry within yourself—of work, love, and integrity—that carry the greatest worth.”
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones was first captivated by the hymns his mother sang at home, although his early life was fraught with hardship.
His mother’s mental health struggles led to her institutionalization, a loss that deeply affected him. He turned to the streets, gang life, and fighting but found solace in music.
After discovering a piano at a recreation center in Washington state, he realized music would be his lifelong pursuit. By his teenage years, he was playing the trumpet and had befriended Ray Charles, who became a lifelong friend.
Jones’ musical talent earned him a scholarship at Berklee College of Music, but he left to tour with Lionel Hampton’s band, and from there, his career soared. By his mid-20s, he was leading his own band, although he soon learned the challenges of the music business.
“That’s when I discovered that there was music, and there was the music business,” he told Musician magazine. “If I were to survive, I would have to learn the difference between the two.”
Jones is survived by his son Quincy Jones III; daughters Rashida Jones, Jolie Jones Levine, Rachel Jones, Martina Jones, Kidada Jones, and Kenya Kinski-Jones; brother Richard Jones; and sisters Theresa Frank and Margie Jay.
