The world is mourning the death of the highly iconic music producer, composer, and arranger Quincy Jones, who died peacefully at his Bel Air residence in Los Angeles on Sunday night. He was 91 years old and was surrounded by his family when he breathed his last.
The following was expressed in a touching family statement: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And though this is an enormous loss to our family, we do celebrate the brilliant life he lived and realize there will never be another like him.”
No one can successfully compare Quincy’s contribution to music; he had a career that spanned over more than seven decades. With numerous collaborations with music’s biggest icons, he produced Michael Jackson’s record-breaking “Thriller” album and cowrote the classic charity anthem “We Are the World.” Having worked with legends of the stature of Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin, he entered history as that rare breed of producer who elicited gold from all artists. But Quincy’s influence went past music.
He also had a profound impact in the realms of film, philanthropy, and social activism-all while often breaking down barriers for other Black artists in the entertainment industry.
One of Quincy’s last social media posts, just hours before his death, was a birthday wish to his daughter, Martina, on her 58th birthday. He wrote, “Happy Birthday to my Tina Beena!! So proud to be yo papa! Big hug, I love you eternally.” The message was deeply loving and proud, reflecting the close bond he maintained with his children and the position of the father that he cherished so much.
Quincy’s life was beset with serious health problems: twin brain aneurysms in the year 1974, which had his chances at one out of every hundred and went through emergency surgery; he came out strong and didn’t stop there but did blow.Mock трумпет even in Japan. In 2015, he went through a diabetic coma scare but sprang back again.
Knowing his health struggles, from mental health through the few incidents that happened with their food, really underlined how strong yet fragile Quincy was at the same time.
A native of Chicago, Quincy Jones was born into and through sheer will and love of music began his upward climb from the ghetto. Early in his career, he performed with Dizzy Gillespie and Duke Ellington. As he gravitated to popular and film music, versatility and creativity won him widespread acclaim.
He produced the albums “Thriller”, “Off the Wall”, and “Bad” by Michael Jackson. He composed film scores for “In the Heat of the Night”, “The Italian Job”, and “The Color Purple.” Significantly, Quincy received an unparalleled 28 Grammy Awards and seven Oscar nominations. No one is qualified to match his career within his legacy; neither would there be anyone outside the realm of music.
The personal life of Quincy was similarly complete, as he became a father and husband. He was married three times: to Jeri Caldwell, Ulla Andersson, and Peggy Lipton. He had seven children, and all of them found their own ways. For example, his daughters Rashida and Kidada Jones have gone on to successful careers in entertainment, while his other children, like Rachel and Martina, found their calling in fields so varied as art and veterinary science.
In the interview, Quincy shared, “Never underestimate your role in your kids’ lives. Being a father is hands down one of the greatest blessings.” His family remained a great source of happiness and pride throughout his life.
Quincy was also infamous for his candid, sometimes inflammatory comments about celebrity personalities. He has once let the headlines when he called Elvis Presley a racist, called The Beatles “the worst musicians in the world,” and had strong comments about a former collaborator, Michael Jackson.
Despite the backlash he received for some of those words, he proved willing to reflect on them, even to apologize for his “word vomit,” as he called it. Part of what made him such a singular force was an unvarnished honesty, even when it cut divisive at times.
The death of Quincy Jones really signifies the end of an era, but his legacy will still be echoing for generations to come. Not only did his truly groundbreaking contributions break down walls, but his resilience and boldness reconstituted the very boundaries that existed within the music world and its culture. He will remain, through his work and the lives he has touched, a symbol of excellence, tenacity, and creative genius.
The world will remember him not only for his unparalleled musical contributions but also for the role he played as pioneer, mentor, and father. Indeed, as his family and fans come together to celebrate him, there will never be another like Quincy Jones.
