Quincy Jones, giant of US music, has died aged 91

Quincy Jones, musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and many others, has died at the age of 91.

Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, said he “passed away peacefully” on Sunday night at his home in Bel Air. “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. 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,” the family said in a statement.

Jones was best known as the producer of Michael Jackson’s Thriller album. Over his career that spanned more than 75 years, he won 28 Grammy awards and was named as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century by Time magazine. He worked closely with Frank Sinatra early in his career and reworked the crooner’s classic Fly Me To The Moon, taking it from a waltz to a swing. In the film The Wiz, Jones found himself working alongside a 19-year-old Michael Jackson. He went on to produce Jackson’s album Off the Wall which sold 20 million copies. He also produced the pop star’s follow-ups, Thriller and Bad.

Jones also composed the soundtrack to more than 50 films and TV programmes including the 1969 British film, The Italian Job. On the big screen he produced the film The Color Purple which introduced the public to two then unknown performers – Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg. On the small screen he was one of the producers behind the hit TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.

But it was music where Jones excelled – as well as winning multiple Grammys, including a legend award in 1992, he was also recognised by the Emmys, Tony’s and Oscars.

Jones’ family said the music producer was “truly one of a kind” and “through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity”.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Rawr

Article URL : https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cjr4n2490r9o