Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer and multi-talented composer, has passed away at 91. Known for his historic work on Michael Jackson’s Thriller album and scores for films and TV, Jones died Sunday night at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, surrounded by family. In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed both grief and gratitude, saying, “This is an incredible loss for our family, but we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Jones’ rise from Chicago’s South Side to the heights of Hollywood’s music scene was a groundbreaking journey. A pioneer for Black executives in entertainment, his influence touched the careers of icons like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Lionel Richie. Jones produced acclaimed records with Jackson, including Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, which transformed Jackson from a child star to the “King of Pop.” His vision was instrumental in shaping the globally beloved hits Billie Jean and Beat It, blending genres like disco, funk, rock, and jazz. Thriller alone sold over 20 million copies in 1983, making it one of the best-selling albums of all time.
Throughout his career, Jones received an astounding 28 Grammys, two honorary Academy Awards, an Emmy, and France’s Legion d’Honneur, among many other accolades. He organized President Bill Clinton’s inaugural celebration, produced We Are the World, and inspired generations with his wide-ranging contributions to American culture. In addition to documentaries about his life, his memoir, Q, became a bestseller, offering a glimpse into his remarkable world.
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