Music legend and iconic producer Quincy Jones has passed away at age 91, per the Associated Press.
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Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, shared that the artist died Sunday night, November 3rd, 2024, surrounded by his family at his home in the Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles.
Quincy Jones leaves behind an incredible legacy that ranges from producing historic albums to collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and countless other recording artists. He was to receive an honorary Academy Award later this month.
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“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.”
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones spent much of his youth on the streets before discovering a piano at his neighbor’s house and later taking up the trumpet. He won a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in Boston but dropped out to go on tour as a backing musician. By his mid-20s, he was touring with a band of his own.
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Jones became one of the first Black executives to take Hollywood by storm, eventually creating a vast musical catalog that spans some of the most iconic moments of musical history. He remains the second-highest Grammy Award winner of all time, with 28 wins under his belt — including Album of the Year and Song of the Year.
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He even contributed to Disney music history by co-producing the song “Another Part of Me” by Michael Jackson for the 1986 Disney film Captain EO, which was also a show at EPCOT for several years.
In addition, Quincy Jones appeared in the 1999 animated film, Fantasia 2000, where he introduces the set piece for “Rhapsody in Blue” by George Gershwin.
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Jones is survived by his daughters Rashida Jones, Jolie Jones Levine, Rachel Jones, Martina Jones, Kidada Jones, and Kenya Kinski-Jones; son Quincy Jones III; brother Richard Jones and sisters Theresa Frank and Margie Jay.
Our thoughts are with Jones’ family and friends during this difficult time.
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Such an amazing talent. It’s so hard when we lose an icon like this. I know it’s probably not true, but it seems like there are fewer and fewer people with this kind of talent who withstand the test of time and everything that comes with being in the entertainment industry.