Quincy Jones, the legendary music figure known for his remarkable contributions to the entertainment industry, has passed away at the age of 91.
His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that Jones died peacefully at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, on Sunday evening, surrounded by his family.
In a heartfelt statement, the family shared, “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must announce the passing of our father and brother Quincy Jones. While this is an immense loss for our family, we take pride in celebrating the extraordinary life he led and recognize that there will never be another like him.”
Jones’ journey began in the South Side of Chicago, where he rose from a challenging upbringing, including running with gangs, to achieve monumental success in the music industry.
He became one of the first African American executives to gain prominence in Hollywood and created an impressive musical legacy that has shaped American culture and music.
Throughout his career, it was rare to find a music lover without at least one record featuring his name, and he maintained connections with numerous influential figures across various industries.
A man of many connections, Jones mingled with presidents, international leaders, Hollywood stars, and renowned musicians.
He played a vital role in the music scene, having toured with icons like Count Basie and Lionel Hampton, arranging songs for legends such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
Jones composed unforgettable soundtracks for significant works, including “Roots” and “In the Heat of the Night,” while also organizing the inaugural celebration for President Bill Clinton.
Additionally, he was instrumental in the all-star project “We Are the World,” a charity single released in 1985 to aid famine relief efforts in Africa.
Lionel Richie, one of the co-writers of “We Are the World” and a featured performer, referred to Jones as “the master orchestrator,” highlighting the profound influence he had on those he worked with and the music industry as a whole.