Music industry icon Quincy Jones, renowned for producing Michael Jackson’s seminal album and for his collaborations with legendary artists such as Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles, has passed away at the age of 91.
The publicist Arnold Robinson announced that he passed away last night in the presence of his family at his residence in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
The family of Quincy Jones, which includes his daughter Rashida Jones, an actress known for her role as Karen Filippelli in the television series The Office, issued a statement that reads: with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing.
This represents a profound loss for our family, we take the opportunity to celebrate the remarkable life he led, recognizing that there will never be another individual quite like him.
Alongside Rashida, Jones—affectionately referred to as ‘Q’ by friends—leaves behind his daughters Jolie Jones Levine, Rachel Jones, Martina Jones, Kidada Jones, and Kenya Kinski-Jones; his son Quincy Jones III; as well as his brother Richard Jones and sisters Theresa Frank and Margie Jay.
Jones’s final Instagram post, published yesterday, conveyed birthday wishes to his daughter, Martina, affectionately known as ‘Tina.’ The post included a photograph of the two smiling together and read: Birthday to my Tina Beena! I am so proud to be your father! Sending a big hug; I love you eternally.
Jones ascended to prominence in the entertainment industry as one of the pioneering Black executives to achieve success in Hollywood, while also amassing an exceptional musical catalog.
The individual in question toured with prominent musicians such as Count Basie and Lionel Hampton, arranged recordings for renowned artists including Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, and composed soundtracks for notable productions such as and Heat of the Night.
Jones coordinated the inaugural celebration for then-President Bill Clinton and supervised the all-star recording of Are the World in 1985, which aimed to provide famine relief in Africa.
Lionel Richie, a co-writer of Are the World and one of the prominent vocalists on the charity record, referred to Jones as master orchestrator.
He is likely to be most remembered for his collaborations with Jackson, as his versatility and creativity played a significant role in showcasing the singer’s talents during his evolution from a child star to the ‘King of Pop.’
