Quincy Jones Dies at 91: Music Industry Giant and 'Thriller' Producer Leaves Unmatched Legacy
Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer, composer, and arranger, passed away on November 3, 2024, at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, at age 91. His seven-decade career revolutionized the music industry and influenced generations of artists.
Quincy Jones in dark suit
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones discovered music in Seattle before attending Berklee College of Music. His journey from trumpeter to arranger led him to work with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie.
As a producer, Jones shaped modern music through collaborations with Michael Jackson, including "Thriller" - the best-selling album of all time with over 66 million copies sold. He broke racial barriers as Mercury Records' first Black vice president in the 1960s and scored numerous films, including "The Pawnbroker" and "In Cold Blood."
His influence extended beyond music to television and film, producing "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" and "The Color Purple," which received 11 Academy Award nominations. Jones's humanitarian efforts included organizing "We Are the World" in 1985, raising millions for African famine relief.
With 28 Grammy Awards and a Grammy Legend Award, Jones's achievements are unprecedented. He is survived by seven children, including actress Rashida Jones, and leaves behind a legacy that transformed popular culture through his innovative approach to music production and arrangement.
His family stated, "With hearts that are both full and broken, we share the passing of our father and brother. His influence will live on in every beat, note, and melody he helped create."