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Quincy Jones, a trailblazing American entertainment icon who collaborated with legends like Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, and Will Smith, has died at 91.
Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed he passed away peacefully on Sunday at his Bel Air home in Los Angeles, surrounded by family. “With full but broken hearts, we share the passing of our father and brother Quincy,” his family said. “Though an incredible loss, we celebrate his extraordinary life and know there will never be another like him.”
Known for his unmatched versatility, Jones produced Michael Jackson’s legendary albums *Off the Wall*, *Thriller*, and *Bad*, cementing the pop star’s global status. He also composed music for iconic artists like Aretha Franklin and Donna Summer and scored films such as *The Color Purple*, for which he received three Oscar nominations.
Jones was a multifaceted talent, excelling as a jazz bandleader, trumpeter, and composer. His career spanned jazz, R&B, and pop, bridging genres and generations. He launched his own production company in 1990, achieving success with *The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air* and later with Qwest TV, an on-demand music service. He is one of the most celebrated Grammy winners in history, with 28 awards from a record 80 nominations.
British actor Michael Caine, who shares Jones’ March 14, 1933 birthdate, paid tribute, calling Jones “a titan in the musical world.” Playwright Jeremy O. Harris honored Jones for showing “that the limit does not exist.”
Born in Chicago, Jones found solace in music early in life, learning piano, drums, and brass instruments in high school. By 14, he was already performing with Ray Charles. His journey took him from Seattle University to New York, where he performed with legends like Charlie Parker. He collaborated with Sinatra in 1958, a partnership that continued into the singer’s final album.
His achievements in film were groundbreaking: in 1968, he became the first Black American nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song. He scored *The Italian Job*, *Ironside*, *Roots*, and more. In the ’80s, he crafted hits in funk and disco, including *Give Me the Night* for George Benson and *Baby Come to Me* for Patti Austin and James Ingram. His partnership with Michael Jackson on *Thriller* became the best-selling album of all time.
In his personal life, Jones was married three times, with seven children, including actress Rashida Jones. Despite numerous health challenges, including surviving a brain aneurysm in 1974, he continued to innovate and inspire.
Celebrities poured out their admiration, with LL Cool J calling him a “mentor and king” and Nile Rodgers lauding him as a “leader, teacher, spirit, and pioneer.”
