Legendary music producer and composer Quincy Jones, who shaped the sound of popular music across seven decades, died Sunday at his home in Los Angeles’ Bel Air neighborhood. He was 91.
His passing was confirmed by his publicist Arnold Robinson, who stated Jones was surrounded by family in his final moments.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” his family said in a statement. “Although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived.”
Quincy Jones Death
Musical Legacy
Jones’s most notable achievement came through his partnership with Michael Jackson, producing three consecutive landmark albums – Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987). Thriller became a cultural phenomenon, selling over 20 million copies in 1983 alone.
Groundbreaking Career
As the first Black executive at Mercury Records in the early 1960s, Jones broke significant racial barriers in the music industry. His influence extended beyond the recording studio, becoming the first Black musical director for the Academy Awards ceremony in 1971.
His work spanned multiple genres and mediums, including:
- Film scores for over 35 movies
- Television theme songs, including “Sanford & Son”
- Production of the landmark charity single “We Are the World” (1985)
- Collaborations with Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles
Awards and Recognition
Jones’s extraordinary contributions earned him:
- 28 Grammy Awards
- Emmy Award for composing music for “Roots”
- Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award
- Tony Award for “The Color Purple” revival
Final Days
In his last public communication, Jones shared a heartfelt birthday message to his daughter Martina on social media. He is survived by seven children from five relationships, including actresses Rashida and Kidada Jones.
Industry figures and collaborators are expected to pay tribute to Jones in the coming days, marking the end of an era in American music history.
The family has not yet announced memorial service arrangements.
