Last week, a private family ceremony in Los Angeles laid Quincy Jones, the renowned producer, composer, and arranger, to rest following his death at the age of 91. Jones’ seven decades of musical mastery included producing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album, writing prize-winning film scores, and collaborating on classic recordings with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and hundreds of others.
The family of the 28-time Grammy-winning artist stated that the “intimate ceremony included Mr. Jones’ seven children, his brother, two sisters, and immediate family members.” While the private service honored Jones’ life, plans are underway for a larger, more public memorial to allow his friends and fans from around the world to pay their respects.
Jones’ impact on the music industry was truly immense. He was a true pioneer, breaking down barriers and achieving numerous “firsts” as a black artist. He became the first Black vice president of a major record label, the first Black nominee for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, and the first Black conductor and music director at the awards ceremony itself.
One of Jones’ most remarkable achievements was his ability to seamlessly blend different musical styles. He was equally comfortable producing jazz, bebop, soul, R&B, rock, and funk, often mixing them together to create something entirely new. People compared his orchestrations to “cooking,” where he would take a great song and “spike it with something,” like the haunting drum intro to Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” or the anguished chord shifts in Lesley Gore’s “It’s My Party.”
Jones’ collaborative spirit was legendary. He worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, earning the nicknames “Q” and “Smelly” from close friends like Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson, respectively. Jones had a unique ability to bring out the best in the artists he worked with, helping to shape the sound of countless hit records.
The sheer breadth of Jones’ accomplishments is staggering. He won an astonishing 28 Grammy Awards, the third-highest total in history. His crowning achievement, however, may have been producing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” album, which remains the best-selling album of all time. Jones also co-produced the iconic “We Are the World” single, which united some of the biggest names in music to raise funds for famine relief.
Despite his immense success, Jones never lost his passion for music or his desire to push the boundaries of what was possible. Even in his 90s, he remained curious and engaged, always seeking new ways to evolve and innovate. Numerous artists have heard his influence in their work, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians.
Jones’ impact extended far beyond the realm of music. He was a respected figure in both politics and philanthropy, counting the Clintons, the Obamas, and Oprah among his close friends. He even was honored with having one of his recordings, Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” carried to the Moon by astronaut Buzz Aldrin.
Despite his many accolades and accomplishments, Jones remained a humble and approachable figure. He was known for his warm personality and his ability to put people at ease, whether they were world-famous musicians or ordinary fans. His love for cooking, particularly his renowned gumbo and lemon meringue pie, was yet another facet of his multifaceted persona.
As the music world mourns the loss of this true giant, it is clear that Quincy Jones’ legacy will endure for generations to come. He was a trailblazer, a visionary, and a master of his craft—a true embodiment of the transformative power of music.