Quincy Jones, Music Industry Giant and 'Thriller' Producer, Dies at 91
Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer, composer, and arranger, passed away on November 3, 2024, at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles at age 91. His seven-decade career revolutionized popular music and left an indelible mark on entertainment.
Quincy Jones in dark suit
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones discovered music in Seattle before studying at Berklee College of Music. He gained prominence as a trumpeter and arranger, working with jazz legends like Dizzy Gillespie and Count Basie.
His most notable achievement was producing Michael Jackson's "Thriller," which became the best-selling album of all time with over 66 million copies sold. He also produced "Off the Wall" and "Bad," fundamentally shaping pop music's evolution.
As the first Black vice president of Mercury Records in the 1960s, Jones broke significant racial barriers in the music industry. His influence extended to film and television, where he scored numerous movies and produced "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."
His humanitarian efforts included organizing "We Are the World" in 1985, which raised millions for African famine relief. Jones earned 28 Grammy Awards and a Grammy Legend Award throughout his career.
Jones is survived by seven children, including actress Rashida Jones, and multiple grandchildren. His family released a statement saying, "With hearts that are both full and broken, we share the passing of our father and brother. His influence will live on in every beat, note, and melody he helped create."