Quincy Jones, the visionary producer who revolutionized pop music and brought Michael Jackson's Thriller to life, has died at 91. Jones, whose career spanned 65 years, worked with legendary artists from Frank Sinatra to Ray Charles, amassing 28 Grammys and leaving an indelible mark on music history.
Jones wasn’t just a producer; he was a multi-talented musician and composer. He scored films like The Color Purple and the TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, even breaking barriers in 1971 as the first Black musical director for the Academy Awards. Later this month, Hollywood planned to honor him with an honorary Oscar.
Jones made history with Michael Jackson on three iconic albums—Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Their collaboration on Thriller produced global hits like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” which propelled Jackson to superstardom. Thriller became the best-selling album ever, with over 70 million copies sold.
Beyond music, Jones had friends worldwide, including Pablo Picasso and Nelson Mandela. He dined with world leaders and cultural icons alike, solidifying his reputation as the “coolest person” many had ever met.
Quincy’s roots ran deep in jazz, where he began as a trumpeter before expanding into pop and film scoring. He produced massive hits like “We Are the World,” a global anthem for Ethiopian famine relief, gathering stars from Diana Ross to Bruce Springsteen.
Throughout his life, Jones supported new artists, founded Vibe magazine, and contributed to humanitarian efforts. His legacy as a musician, pioneer, and cultural icon remains unmatched.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us...with-sinatra-jackson-dies-aged-91-2024-11-04/
Jones wasn’t just a producer; he was a multi-talented musician and composer. He scored films like The Color Purple and the TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, even breaking barriers in 1971 as the first Black musical director for the Academy Awards. Later this month, Hollywood planned to honor him with an honorary Oscar.
Jones made history with Michael Jackson on three iconic albums—Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. Their collaboration on Thriller produced global hits like “Billie Jean” and “Beat It,” which propelled Jackson to superstardom. Thriller became the best-selling album ever, with over 70 million copies sold.
Beyond music, Jones had friends worldwide, including Pablo Picasso and Nelson Mandela. He dined with world leaders and cultural icons alike, solidifying his reputation as the “coolest person” many had ever met.
Quincy’s roots ran deep in jazz, where he began as a trumpeter before expanding into pop and film scoring. He produced massive hits like “We Are the World,” a global anthem for Ethiopian famine relief, gathering stars from Diana Ross to Bruce Springsteen.
Throughout his life, Jones supported new artists, founded Vibe magazine, and contributed to humanitarian efforts. His legacy as a musician, pioneer, and cultural icon remains unmatched.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us...with-sinatra-jackson-dies-aged-91-2024-11-04/