Legendary US producer Quincy Jones has died aged 91
Jones produced and composed hit records for the likes of Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson
Legendary producer, composer, and activist Quincy Jones has died aged 91, according to a statement from his family.
His publicist confirmed the news earlier today, November 4, explaining that he passed away “peacefully” at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, on Sunday evening.
His family said in a statement (via BBC): "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," they added.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, Quincy Jones first came up as a jazz arranger and conductor working with the likes of Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles through the 1950s before he began work scoring films and TV.
Jones also helped to score more than 30 films including The Wiz, The Colour Purple, In Cold Blood, Mirage, and the 1969 classic The Italian Job starring Michael Caine.
The late musician was best known for his work alongside Michael Jackson, producing the singer's 1982 record ‘Off The Wall’, as well as his influential follow-ups ‘Thriller’ and ‘Bad’.
Quincy Jones won 28 GRAMMY Awards over the course of his 75-year career. In 1980, he founded Qwest Productions, where he arranged and produced hit albums as a joint venture with Warner Bros.
Jones also helped to oversee the recording of the charity record ‘We Are The World’ in 1985, which featured Michael Jackson amongst the likes of Prince, Lionel Richie, Steve Perry, and more.
"We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created," his family said (via Sky News).
Read some tributes below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Assistant Editor, follow her on Twitter