4-11-2024 (NEW YORK) Quincy Jones, the towering figure of American music who revolutionised pop culture and shattered racial barriers in the entertainment industry, has died aged 91 at his Bel Air residence in Los Angeles, his family has announced.
The mastermind behind Michael Jackson’s record-breaking album “Thriller” passed away peacefully on Sunday evening, surrounded by loved ones, according to his publicist Arnold Robinson.
In an emotional statement, Jones’s family said: “We share with profound sadness the departure of our beloved father and brother. While our hearts are heavy, we celebrate a life lived extraordinarily, knowing his like will never grace this world again.”
From humble beginnings on Chicago’s South Side, Jones ascended to become one of music’s most influential figures, crafting a career that spanned over seven decades. His journey from jazz trumpeter to legendary producer exemplified the American dream, breaking down racial barriers as one of the first Black executives in Hollywood’s upper echelons.
His collaboration with Michael Jackson yielded three groundbreaking albums – “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad” – that redefined popular music. “Thriller” remains a cultural phenomenon, shifting an unprecedented 20 million units in 1983 alone and maintaining its position as one of the best-selling albums in history.
Jones’s genius extended far beyond his work with Jackson. His arrangements for Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, the Emmy-winning score for “Roots,” and his production of the humanitarian anthem “We Are the World” showcase his versatility across musical genres.
His accolades include 28 Grammy Awards, two honorary Oscars, an Emmy Award, and France’s Legion d’Honneur. The Kennedy Center honoured his contributions to American culture, while his autobiography “Q” became a bestseller, documenting his extraordinary journey through American entertainment.
As tributes pour in from across the globe, Lionel Richie, a long-time collaborator, praised Jones as “the master orchestrator,” highlighting his unique ability to unite diverse musical talents.
