Quincy Jones, an iconic force in music production, arrangement, and composition, “passed away peacefully” on Sunday night at his home in Bel Air, his publicist announced. He was 91. Renowned for his unparalleled contributions to jazz, pop, soul, and beyond, Jones shaped the sounds of generations and collaborated with some of the greatest names in music, from Michael Jackson to Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. 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,” the family said in a statement.
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones discovered his love for music early and embarked on a career that would span over six decades, transforming the music industry and breaking down racial and genre barriers. His early career in jazz as a trumpeter and arranger quickly established him as a visionary talent, and he went on to produce Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” the best-selling album of all time, along with Jackson’s other major hits, including Off the Wall and Bad.
Jones also left a profound mark on film and television, scoring numerous films like The Color Purple and producing The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He earned 80 Grammy nominations and 28 wins—one of the most awarded and recognized artists in Grammy history—and became an icon for aspiring musicians, producers, and arrangers around the world.
