Legendary Music Producer Quincy Jones Dies at 91
By Movieguide® Contributor
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones died in his home this weekend at the age of 91.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the 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,” the statement continued. “Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
Jones had a hand in every part of the music industry, bringing immense talent and success to everything he touched. Though he is perhaps best remembered as Michael Jackson’s producer, first working with him on his “Thriller” album which launched him to superstardom, he also ran the gambit across the music industry, working with musicians from Frank Sinatra to Snoop Dogg to Queen Latifah.
The producer, however, did not only stick to music as he won two Acadamy Awards and one Emmy through multiple shows and movies. His FRESH PRINCE OF BEL-AIRE brought Will Smith to the spotlight, while THE COLOR PURPLE brought Oprah Winfrey to theaters.
Jones was raised in the streets of Chicago before moving to Washington State when he turned ten. Though his childhood was marked by violence, he found hope and freedom through music. By the time he turned 20, Jones was touring the country with his own band, though it wasn’t until he became a producer that he really found his stride in the industry.
Jones is survived by a brother, two sisters, a son, and six daughters including the actress Rashida Jones.
