Quincy Jones, the legendary music executive, passed away on July 21, 2021, at the age of 88. His death was mourned by the music industry and fans around the world, as he was remembered as a pioneer and trailblazer in the business.
Jones’ career spanned over six decades, during which he made an indelible mark on the music industry. He was a producer, composer, arranger, and conductor, and his work has influenced generations of musicians. He worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Ray Charles.
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones showed an early interest in music and began playing the trumpet at the age of 12. He later moved to Seattle, where he continued to hone his skills and eventually joined the Lionel Hampton Band as a trumpeter. In the 1950s, he moved to New York City and began arranging and composing music for artists such as Sarah Vaughan and Dinah Washington.
In the 1960s, Jones started his own record label, Qwest Records, and produced albums for artists like Lesley Gore and The Brothers Johnson. He also composed film scores, including the iconic music for the TV series “Sanford and Son” and the theme for the movie “The Color Purple.”
But it was in the 1980s that Jones reached the height of his career. He produced Michael Jackson’s record-breaking album “Thriller,” which became the best-selling album of all time. He also worked on Jackson’s follow-up album “Bad” and collaborated with other artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Paul McCartney.
Jones’ impact on the music industry went beyond his work as a producer and composer. He was also a trailblazer in the business side of the industry. In 1983, he became the first African American to be appointed as a top executive at a major record label when he joined Warner Bros. Records as vice president. He later went on to become the CEO of Quincy Jones Entertainment, a multimedia company that produced films, TV shows, and music.
His contributions to the industry did not go unnoticed. In 1991, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2013, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received numerous other accolades throughout his career, including 28 Grammy Awards.
Jones’ legacy will continue to live on through the countless artists he mentored and inspired. His impact on the music industry is immeasurable, and his influence will be felt for generations to come. As Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said, “He opened so many doors and provided such a road map for so many people.” Quincy Jones will always be remembered as a once-in-a-lifetime talent and a true pioneer in the music industry.
