Farewell to Quincy Jones, music legend and mentor to the greats

Quincy Jones, the iconic musician and producer who made music history by collaborating with icons such as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles, passed away on the night of November 3 to 4, 2024 in Los Angeles, at the age of 91. His family announced the news in a statement relayed by the Associated Press, paying tribute to the man whose genius left an indelible mark on the world music scene.

A true craftsman of global success, Quincy Jones was behind such legendary albums as Off the Wall, Thriller and Michael Jackson’s Bad, which remain among the best-selling albums of all time. Over the course of his prolific career, he has received 28 Grammy Awards, a distinction that testifies to the immensity of his talent and influence in the music industry.

An exceptional career, from trumpet to silver screen

Born on March 14, 1933 in a modest Chicago neighborhood, Quincy Jones began his career as a trumpeter and arranger in the 1950s, collaborating with jazz giants such as Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Ray Charles. In 1957, he moved to Paris to study with renowned composer Nadia Boulanger, consolidating the musical foundations that would soon propel him onto the international scene.

Alongside his compositions, including the famous “Soul Bossa Nova”, Jones has also lent his genius to award-winning film scores and TV shows. In 1985, he supervised the recording of the charity anthem We Are the World, featuring the voices of stars such as Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie in aid of the fight against famine in Africa.

Multi-faceted icon and accomplished family man

Recognized as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century by Time magazine, Quincy Jones was also a visionary of modern music, touching on every genre and supporting the emergence of hip-hop in the 1980s. “Quincy did it all. He translated his genius into every style,” said pianist Herbie Hancock, adding that Jones was never afraid of a challenge.

On the personal side, Quincy Jones left behind a large family of seven children, the fruit of relationships with several female companions, including jazz singer Jolie Jones Levine, producer Quincy Jones III, actress Rashida Jones, and fashion designer Kidada Jones.

His musical legacy and influence on several generations of artists will continue to resonate, honoring the memory of a man who defied all musical boundaries. As those close to him have said, “Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity, through his love and his art, which will live on in all of us.”