Musical titan Quincy Jones, the composer and producer who added his tasteful polish to recordings by everyone from Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson, has died, according to his representatives. He was 91.
(CNN).- Mr. Quincy Jones died on Sunday, November 3rd, at his home in Bel Air, California, surrounded by his children, siblings, and other family members, his publicist told CNN in a statement.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the Jones family said in the 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. He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, were shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
A renowned jazz and pop musician, Jones was also a prolific cross-genre arranger, conductor, record label executive, and civil rights advocate. His talent and drive led to an almost unparalleled career in entertainment.
American jazz musician, arranger, and composer Quincy Jones (left) works with singer and actor Frank Sinatra on a soundstage, in 1964. John Dominis/The LIFE Picture Co/Shutterstock
His long and varied list of credits includes composing the score for the Oscar-winning film, “In the Heat of the Night,” producing Michael Jackson’s blockbuster “Thriller” album, and gathering dozens of pop and rock stars to record the 1985 charity single “We Are the World.”
Born in Chicago to a carpenter father and a mother who suffered from mental illness, Jones developed a love of music early on and took up the piano.
His family eventually moved to Seattle, Washington, where Jones began taking lessons from famed horn player Clark Terry.
He also met and became close friends with a then-unknown pianist named Ray Charles. The pair would enjoy a lifelong friendship.
In his 2022 book, “12 Notes On Life and Creativity,” Jones reflected on the essence of his life’s work.
“Creativity is one of the most beautiful gifts we possess,” Jones wrote. “If utilized properly, not only does it serve as an outlet, but it also holds the power to transform heartache into something beyond a singular sentiment.”
With information from CNN
San Miguel Times
Newsroom
