Quincy Jones, the legendary musician, composer, and producer who revolutionized the American songbook and helped shape some of the 20th century’s most iconic artists and songs, has passed away at the age of 91.
One of the most influential figures in modern American music, Jones died on Sunday at his Bel-Air home, surrounded by his children, siblings, and close family members, according to his publicist, Arnold Robinson. The cause of death was not disclosed.
“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,” Jones’ family said in a statement to *The Times*. “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, which were the essence of his being, were shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
Jones’ remarkable career spanned over seven decades, beginning in the smoky jazz clubs where he collaborated with legends like Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, and Dizzy Gillespie. From there, he built a musical empire from his Los Angeles mansion, reigning as a true titan of sound and influence.
Throughout his career, Quincy Jones was instrumental in transforming Michael Jackson into a global icon, producing the trilogy of albums—*Off the Wall* (1979), *Thriller* (1982), and *Bad* (1987)—that catapulted Jackson to unparalleled fame. *Thriller* alone remains the best-selling album of all time, with over 66 million copies sold worldwide. Beyond that, Jones orchestrated the historic production of the charity single “We Are the World,” which raised tens of millions for Ethiopian famine relief. His unparalleled legacy includes 28 Grammy Awards, making him one of the most celebrated artists in Grammy history.
While many stars achieved first-name fame, Quincy Jones was simply known as “Q.” Harvard historian and literary critic Henry Louis Gates Jr. once compared Jones’ cultural influence to that of American pioneers like Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Bill Gates. “We’re talking about the people who define an era in the broadest possible way,” Gates said in 2008.
Jones’s name resonates through music history, a testament to his ability to cross genres, bringing together jazz, pop, classical, and soul. His groundbreaking work in jazz saw him arrange and collaborate with legends like Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sarah Vaughan, while his film scores broke racial barriers and earned critical acclaim.
Beyond music, Jones made history as one of the first African Americans to hold a high-level executive position at a major record label, Mercury Records, and his philanthropy continues to impact communities worldwide. He founded the Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation, promoting youth development and social change. His influence in breaking down genre boundaries and advocating for diversity is a testament to his extraordinary legacy.
Quincy Jones’s profound impact continues to echo through generations. In his later years, he remained a guiding force, mentoring new artists and celebrating global music’s rich tapestry. His Netflix documentary, *Quincy* (2018), directed by his daughter Rashida Jones, gave the world an intimate look at his indelible legacy—one filled with creativity, humanity, and boundless passion.
