Legendary Music Producer Quincy Jones Dies At 91

Quincy Jones, the iconic songwriter and producer behind some of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, has died at the age of 91. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that Jones died peacefully at his Bel Air home on Sunday night, surrounded by family.

Jones is set to receive an honorary Oscar from the Academy Awards later this month.

Born in Chicago, he eventually settled in Seattle, where his passion for jazz flourished. After earning scholarships to Seattle University and Berklee College of Music in Boston, Jones left his studies to tour with bandleader Lionel Hampton in 1952, marking the start of a storied career.

Throughout the 1950s, Jones toured extensively and served as music director for the French label Barclay Disques. Then, he returned to the U.S. to work with Mercury Records. His breakthrough as a film composer came with The Pawnbroker, which led to acclaimed scores for In The Heat of the Night, The Italian Job, and more. Jones was also a sought-after arranger, working with legends like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.

Jones’s most enduring legacy, however, lies in his production work. He was pivotal in shaping the sound of Lesley Gore’s hits and later achieved unprecedented success with Michael Jackson. Albums like Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad not only redefined pop music but also shattered commercial records, with Thriller still holding the title of the best-selling album of all time. Reflecting on their collaboration, Jones once said, “The music we created together on Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad is played in every corner of the world… his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever.”

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Beyond music, Jones made significant contributions to television and film, producing hits like The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and MadTV. He was also a dedicated humanitarian, producing “We Are The World” to aid famine victims in Ethiopia and founding several programs for at-risk youth. Jones was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.

Jones is survived by his seven children, including Parks and Recreation actress Rashida Jones. On Monday, Quincy Jones III shared a heartfelt tribute to his father on social media, accompanied by a purple heart emoji.

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