Legendary music producer Quincy Jones dies at 91
Quincy Jones, the pioneering producer and music industry icon known for his work with legends like Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson, has passed away at 91. His family confirmed that he died peacefully at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, surrounded by loved ones.
Celebrated as one of the most influential figures in modern music, Jones redefined pop, jazz, and R&B, producing Michael Jackson’s Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad albums, which made Jackson a global superstar.
His work with Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and Donna Summer further cemented his legacy. Jones, with 80 Grammy nominations and 28 wins, is one of the most awarded in Grammy history.
Born in 1933 in Chicago, Jones’ early love for music led him to perform with Ray Charles at just 14. After studying in Paris, he joined Mercury Records and later broke ground as an African American composer and arranger, scoring films like The Italian Job and The Color Purple. In the ’90s, his production company launched The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, catapulting Will Smith to fame.
Despite challenges, including a near-fatal brain aneurysm in 1974, Jones remained active in entertainment, founding Qwest TV in 2017. He is survived by seven children, leaving behind a legacy as a visionary who transcended musical boundaries and reshaped American pop culture.
