Today, the music world feels a little less vibrant with the passing of Quincy Jones, a legendary figure who captivated audiences for close to three quarters of a century. At 91, he gracefully exited the stage in California, as announced by his publicist, Arnold Robinson. Although the details surrounding his passing have not been disclosed, it is known that he departed this life peacefully, at home in Bel Air, forever etching his legacy in the hearts of countless admirers.
By Themba Khumalo
The universe dimmed its lights on Sunday as the legendary Quincy Delight Jones, a colossal figure at 91, gracefully exited the stage of life.
Quincy began his spectacular journey as a jazz trumpeter, later becoming the mastermind behind the arrangements for iconic big bands, including the legendary Count Basie’s band.
He also shone brightly as a film composer and a record producer of unparalleled genius. However, what truly strikes a chord was his extraordinary ability to forge connections within the music industry, a gift many believe is essential to the vibrant mosaic of this art form.
According to Arnold Robinson, the publicist for Quincy, he succumbed to his illness on Sunday evening at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, surrounded by loved ones.
“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.
Hailing from the rough and tough environment of Chicago’s South Side, he successfully transitioned from a life of gangs to becoming a titan in show business. He was a trailblazer as one of the first Black executives to become successful in Hollywood, amassing a remarkable collection of music that resonates with the essence of American culture.
Lionel Richie, a co-writer and prominent singer of the legendary anthem We Are the World, fondly referred to Quincy as “the maestro of orchestration.”
Quincy was a prominent figure among the upper echelons of society, mingling with presidents, international dignitaries, Hollywood legends, musical icons, philanthropic leaders, and savvy entrepreneurs. He shared the stage with jazz legends such as Count Basie and Lionel Hampton and composed unforgettable arrangements for several stars.
He collaborated with a dazzling lineup of musical legends, from Ray Charles to titans of jazz like Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, and Duke Ellington, to the iconic voices of rap such as Snoop Dogg and LL Cool J. His talents also graced the smooth sounds of crooners like Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett, the pop sensations of Lesley Gore and Tevin Campbell, and the soulful rhythms of R&B stars like Chaka Khan and the multi-talented Queen Latifah. Not to be forgotten, he joined forces with South African luminaries Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya, adding a rich tapestry of global influence to his impressive repertoire.
He brought to life the compelling soundtracks of Roots and In the Heat of the Night. His remarkable journey also included orchestrating President Bill Clinton’s inauguration celebration and playing a key role in the star-studded recording of We Are the World,” the renowned 1985 anthem dedicated to famine relief in Africa.
In a career which began when records were still played on vinyl at 78 rpm, top honours likely go to his productions with Jackson: Off The Wall, Thriller and Bad were albums near-universal in their style and appeal. Jones’ versatility and imagination helped set off the explosive talents of Jackson as he transformed from a child star to the King of Pop.
On such classic tracks as Billie Jean” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, Quincy and Jackson fashioned a global soundscape out of disco, funk, rock, pop, R&B jazz and African chants. For Thriller, some of the most memorable touches originated with Jones, who recruited Eddie Van Halen for a guitar solo on the genre-fusing Beat It and brought in Vincent Price for a ghoulish voiceover on the title track.
With over 20 million copies sold in 1983, Thriller not only dominated the charts but also earned the title of the best-selling album of all time.
Quincy had a unique ability to nurture talent, profoundly influencing the entertainment industry. He was key in giving Will Smith his first major opportunity on the hit TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which he produced. His influence also shone through in the film The Color Purple, where he played a significant role in introducing Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg to a broader audience. Dating back to the 1960s onward, Quincy created more than 35 film scores, contributing to memorable films like The Pawnbroker, In the Heat of the Night, and In Cold Blood.
He was dedicated to philanthropy, saying “The best and only useful aspect of fame and celebrity is having a platform to help others.”
His causes included fighting HIV and AIDS, educating children and providing for the poor around the world. He founded the Quincy Jones Listen Up! Foundation to connect young people with music, culture and technology, and said he was driven throughout his life “by a spirit of adventure and a criminal level of optimism.”
Additional reporting by AP Entertainment