Friday, July 31, 2026

Legendary music producer Quincy Jones dies at 91

Born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Jones fell in love with music as a child and had already developed a talent for playing the trumpet by his teens.

• November 4, 2024
Quincy Jones
Quincy Jones[Credit: The Irish Times]

Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer, composer, and cultural icon, died Sunday at his home in Bel Air, California, at 91.

His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed his death in a statement, saying Jones passed away peacefully.

Born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, Jones fell in love with music as a child and had already developed a talent for playing the trumpet by his teens.

He studied music under the guidance of jazz greats such as Lionel Hampton and Count Basie, becoming an accomplished arranger and composer at a young age.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Jones worked with a roster of jazz legends, including Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, and Sarah Vaughan.

By the 1970s, his career had evolved beyond jazz, taking him into the realms of film scoring, producing, and discovering new talent.

His most iconic work came in collaboration with Michael Jackson.

Jones produced Jackson’s groundbreaking albums “Off the Wall” (1979), “Thriller” (1982), and “Bad” (1987). “Thriller”, in particular, remains the best-selling album of all time, solidifying Jones’ status as a visionary in music production.

Beyond his work with Jackson, Jones was instrumental in creating the charity single “We Are the World” in 1985, which raised millions of dollars for humanitarian causes.

He also scored over 30 major films, including The Color Purple” (1985) and “In Cold Blood” (1967), earning numerous awards and accolades along the way.

Throughout his career, Jones garnered 28 Grammy Awards and a record 80 nominations, making him one of the most celebrated figures in Grammy history.

He is survived by his seven children and numerous grandchildren. 

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