The music world is in mourning after the death of the iconic musician and producer Quincy Jones. He was 91 years-old.
Jones Dies Surrounded By Family
Jones’ publicist Arnold Robinson told People Magazine that Jones was surrounded by his family when he died on Sunday at his home in Los Angeles, California.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” Jones’ family said in a statement. “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.”
“He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created,” they continued. “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
Jones is survived by seven children, including the former Parks & Recreation star Rashida Jones. His other six children are Kidada Jones, Kenya Kinski-Jones, Quincy Jones III, Jolie Jones Levine, Martina Jones, and Rachel Jones. Jones is also survived by three grandchildren: Isaiah Jones Koenig, Quincy Renzo Delight Jones IV and Nea Jones. He was additionally godfather to actor-musician Quincy Brown, who was named after him.
Jones’ Early Life – Cheating Death
Born in Chicago on March 14, 1933, Jones was just 14 years-old when he fled his home. He did so to escape an abusive stepmom, who he alleged didn’t call him by name until he was 57. Jones lied and said he was 18 in order to enlist in the National Guard.
Around this time, Jones cheated death when he was in a car full of friends that was hit by a bus as they headed to a rodeo in Yakima. Jones later claimed that everyone in the car died except for him. He was so traumatized by this incident that he never drove a car again.
Jones later cheated the hangman again in 1974 at the age of 41. He suffered a brain aneurysm and underwent brain surgery. Doctors then informed him that he had a second aneurysm ready to explode, forcing him to undergo surgery again. It was a miracle that Jones lived, as he was told he had a one-in-a-hundred chance of surviving.
Watch Jones talk about this experience in the video below.
Jones’ Music Career
After his time in the National Guard, Jones became a trumpet player in bands for jazz music greats like Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie. He soon showed his talents behind the scenes as a music producer for such famous names as Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, Paul Simon, Aretha Franklin and more.
In 1963, Jones produced “It’s My Party” for Lesley Gore when she was only 16. The song hit number one, making Gore one of the youngest singers to earn this achievement.
Jones’ greatest achievements came with Jackson. Indeed, he produced three of Jackson’s most successful albums: 1979’s Off the Wall, 1982’s Thriller and 1987’s Bad. Thriller would go on to become the biggest-selling album of all time.
Related: Christian Radio Host Rob Dempsey Passes Away Just One Week After Announcing He Has Cancer
Jones Discusses Jackson Collaboration
“He had a perspective on details that was unmatched,” Jones later said of Jackson. “His idols are Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, James Brown, all of that. And he paid attention, and that’s what you’re supposed to do. That’s the only way you can be great, you know, is pay attention to the best guys who ever did it.”
In 2018, Jones opened up to Vulture about how he achieved these great successes with artists like Jackson.
“Everything was something to be proud of — absolutely,” he said. “It’s been an amazing contrast of genres. Since I was very young, I’ve played all kinds of music: bar mitzvah music, Sousa marches, strip-club music, jazz, pop. Everything. I didn’t have to learn a thing to do Michael Jackson.”
In film and television, Jones composed the score for the 1985 film The Color Purple, which was nominated for an Oscar. Jones also composed the theme music for the sitcoms Sanford and Son and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Related: ‘Tarzan’ Star Ron Ely Dead At 86 – ‘The World Has Lost One Of The Greatest Men’
Jones Marriages And Never Retiring
Jones was married and divorced three times, first to Jeri Caldwell from 1957 to 1966. He was then married to Swedish actress Ulla Anderson from 1967 to 1974. Finally, Jones was married to The Mod Squad and Twin Peaks actress Peggy Lipton from 1974 to 1990.
The latter marriage produced famous actress Rashida Jones.
Despite his advanced age, Jones never actually retired. He continued to contribute to charitable causes until the end of his life. Jones even worked on the soundtrack to the 2024 film Lola.
“I feel like a child, man,” Jones said in 2018. “I’m just starting.”
Rest in peace, Quincy Jones.
More About:Celebrity News