“Tonight, it is with a full but broken heart that we have to share the news that our father and brother, Quincy Jones, has passed away,” the family said in a statement, as quoted by the newspaper. The Guardian.
“And while this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
An exceptional man in many ways
Jones was arguably the most versatile pop culture figure of the 20th century. He became famous as the producer of the Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad albums, which made Michael Jackson the biggest pop star of all time in the 1980s. He was also the producer of the charity song We Are the World.
Soul Bossa Nova from his 1962 album Big Band Bossa Nova became the official song of the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Jones has also produced music for Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, Donna Summer and many other artists.
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He was also a successful composer of film scores himself, bandleader of jazz big bands and a multi-instrumentalist who excelled at playing trumpet and piano.
However, he also moved easily in the television and film industry. His production company, founded in 1990, had great success with the sitcom Fresh Prince (The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air), among others.
He did not abandon his creative activity almost until his death. In 2017, he launched Qwest TV, a subscription-based music service. The musician Reza Ackbaraly was a partner in the project.
Jones also holds the record for the most Grammy Award nominations. It belongs to the third row, only Beyoncé and Jay-Z are more successful in this direction. In addition to music awards, he has received numerous others, including a medal from President Barack Obama in 2011.
Descendant of slaves and slave owners
Jones was born in 1933 in Chicago to a family with a slave past. His grandfather was a Welsh slave owner, his grandmother a slave woman. He became acquainted with music through the walls of his childhood room. His neighbor played the piano. He himself sat down to the instrument at the age of seven.
He was mainly supported in his musical education by his mother, an active singer herself. He made progress in music at a high school in Washington state, where he learned to play drums and a number of brass instruments in the local band.
At the age of fourteen, he started playing in a band with the sixteen-year-old Ray Charles in Seattle clubs, and once, in 1948, accompanied Billie Holiday.
After graduation, he studied music at the University of Seattle, then continued in Boston. After moving to New York, he launched his career in full swing. For example, he played in Elvis Presley’s band during his first television appearances.
In the 1950s he traveled extensively in Europe. He also studied in Paris, where he met prominent figures of the day, including Pablo Picasso, James Baldwin and Josephine Baker.
At that time, he also found himself in great financial trouble, and he recalled in retrospect that he contemplated suicide. However, business luck soon returned to him.
During his life he was enough to marry and divorce three times. He was the father of six daughters and one son, the website said The Variety.
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Remembering Quincy Jones: A Life of Music and Magic
“Tonight, it is with a full but broken heart that we have to share the news that our father and brother, Quincy Jones, has passed away.” That’s the sort of announcement that makes you pause and reflect, wasn’t it? It’s almost like telling us that gravity has decided to take a holiday. And if you haven’t heard of Quincy Jones, you might be living under a rock—or perhaps still stuck in the 80s with your cassette tapes!
An Exceptional Man in Many Ways
Now, Quincy Jones wasn’t just a producer; he was the producer. The man was more versatile than a Swiss Army knife at a camping trip—making music for Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and even producing the theme for the 1998 FIFA World Cup! You could say he had a golden touch. Had he decided to produce a song about my life, it would have sounded like a hit—seriously, listen to it on repeat during your morning commute!
This guy had his fingerprints all over the 20th century’s soundtrack, producing classics such as “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad.” If that doesn’t earn you a lifetime pass to the music hall of fame, I don’t know what will! And let’s not forget the charity anthem “We Are the World.” Turns out, he wasn’t just about the glitz and glam—he had a heart as big as his discography!
A Man with Layers
Jones wasn’t just a music producer—oh no! He was also a film composer, bandleader, multi-instrumentalist—you name it! He could probably sell you life insurance while playing a trumpet solo. Let’s face it, he probably could have done anything from leading space missions to whipping up a mean soufflé!
And did you know he even launched a music subscription service—Qwest TV? Yes, in the world of streaming wars, Quincy was like, “You know what? I think I’ll throw my top hat in the ring!” At this stage, I wouldn’t be surprised if he decided to teach a masterclass in how to be phenomenal at everything.
The Roots of a Genius
Now, let’s not forget where Quincy came from. Born in 1933 in Chicago to a family with a rather complicated past—yep, his grandfather was a Welsh slave owner. Talk about a family tree with some serious branches! Quincy learned about music through the walls of his childhood. Imagine being the neighbor to a prodigy—“Keep it down, Quincy! I’m trying to binge-watch my stories over here!”
By the age of 14, he was already rubbing shoulders with giants—playing alongside Ray Charles! I mean, at that age, I was still figuring out how to tie my shoelaces (still working on that, actually). And during the 1950s, while many people were stuck in the mundane, Quincy was studying in Paris and mingling with the likes of Pablo Picasso and Josephine Baker—talk about a networking event!
The Personal Side
Now, in all seriousness, Quincy’s life was not without its challenges. He faced financial troubles and even contemplated suicide—hard to believe for someone who went on to achieve so much. But business luck turned around, and oh boy, what a turnaround it was!
Quincy experienced epic highs and lows, marrying and divorcing three times, and fathering a whole football team of children—six daughters and one son! He might as well have called it his own “The Sound of Music.” Can you imagine the family gatherings? “Please pass the gravy, and can someone start a harmonizing session?”
The Legacy Lives On
So as we remember Quincy Jones, let’s not just mourn his passing but celebrate the extraordinary life he led. He was a pioneer, a visionary, and above all, a reminder that music can transcend boundaries and unite us all—even when our dance moves suggest otherwise.
In the words of the family, “While this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life he lived…” And that’s just it, isn’t it? Quincy, you’ll be missed, but your music will continue to light up the stage and our hearts for generations to come!
“With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, we announce the passing of our beloved father and brother, Quincy Jones,” stated the family in a heartfelt announcement, as reported by The Guardian. The family emphasized that this tremendous loss is a moment of deep grief, yet they choose to celebrate the extraordinary life he led, acknowledging that a figure like him will never emerge again.
An exceptional man in many ways
Regarded as one of the most dynamic and multifaceted figures in 20th-century pop culture, Jones earned legendary status as the mastermind producer behind Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking albums—Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad—transforming him into the most iconic pop legend of the 1980s. Notably, he was also the creative force behind the revolutionary charity anthem We Are the World, which united artists for a noble cause.
The infectious tune Soul Bossa Nova, from his seminal 1962 album Big Band Bossa Nova, achieved the distinction of becoming the official anthem of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, reinforcing his global impact. Furthermore, Jones’s remarkable discography includes collaborations with luminaries such as Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and Donna Summer, highlighting his unparalleled ability to traverse various musical genres and styles.
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Beyond his monumental success as a music producer, Jones was also an accomplished composer of film scores, a charismatic bandleader of jazz big bands, and a gifted multi-instrumentalist, mastering both the trumpet and piano with finesse. He effortlessly navigated the realms of television and film, with his production company, founded in 1990, achieving remarkable success with the beloved sitcom Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, among other projects.
In a testament to his unyielding creativity, Jones remained active in the music industry until his later years, launching Qwest TV—a subscription-based music service—in 2017 with partner Reza Ackbaraly, further solidifying his commitment to the art form he loved. Accolades piled up throughout his career, with Jones holding the record for the most Grammy Award nominations, ranking just below the music royalty of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, alongside countless other prestigious honors.
Descendant of slaves and slave owners
Born in 1933 in Chicago, Jones emerged from a complex lineage that included both enslaved individuals and slave owners. He discovered his musical passion through the sounds wafting from his neighbor’s piano, which ignited his desire to play at the tender age of seven. His mother, a talented singer in her own right, provided steadfast support for his burgeoning musical education.
During his high school years in Washington state, he honed his musical craft, becoming adept at playing drums and various brass instruments within the school’s band. At just 14 years old, Jones had the remarkable opportunity to perform alongside a young Ray Charles in Seattle nightclubs, and even shared the stage with the legendary Billie Holiday in 1948.
Jones furthered his education in music at the University of Seattle and later in Boston, before launching his illustrious career in New York. His talents brought him into Elvis Presley’s band during the King’s inaugural television performances, showcasing his ability to seize opportunities as they arose. Throughout the 1950s, he traveled extensively across Europe, where he studied in Paris and mingled with influential figures of the time, such as Pablo Picasso and Josephine Baker. Despite facing dire financial challenges that led him to contemplate suicide, a wave of good fortune soon followed, reigniting his career.
Over the course of his life, Jones experienced three marriages and divorces, becoming the proud father of six daughters and one son, as detailed by The Variety.
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Nathaniel Wells descendants
Ded both descendants of slaves and slave owners. His grandfather was a Welsh man who owned slaves in the United States, making Quincy’s family history particularly intricate. Growing up in the diverse and vibrant music scene of Chicago, Quincy was exposed to various musical styles from a young age, which laid the foundation for his future success.
As a child, he faced numerous challenges, including the struggles of his family’s socio-economic situation. However, his passion for music shone through as he began learning the trumpet at a young age. By the age of 14, he was already performing professionally, showcasing his exceptional talent and determination.
Throughout his illustrious career, Quincy Jones was not only a music producer but also a cultural icon. His ability to blend different genres, from jazz to pop to classical, allowed him to create music that resonated with audiences worldwide. He was a pioneer who broke barriers in the music industry, working with artists across racial and musical divides, which contributed to his legendary status.
Quincy’s contributions to music extended beyond the studio. He was also involved in film and television, earning acclaim for his work on various projects. His production of influential albums and his role in creating hit television shows illustrated his versatility and deep understanding of entertainment.
His legacy is defined not only by the numerous awards and recognitions he received but also by the impact he had on generations of artists. Quincy Jones inspired countless musicians and producers to pursue their dreams, blending creativity with commercial success.
As we reflect on Quincy Jones’ remarkable life, it’s essential to celebrate not only his achievements but also the rich tapestry of experiences that shaped him. His story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of music, reminding us that art knows no boundaries and can unite us in ways that transcend time and culture.
Quincy Jones leaves behind an indelible mark on the world, and through his music, his spirit will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of many for years to come.