Quincy

What a man, what a career, a fantastic journey through the decades and music genres. A true legend in his field

One of the greatest names in music passed away (November 3, 2024). Quincy Jones passed away at his home in Bel-Air, California, at the age of 91. He was widely and deservedly celebrated even during his lifetime! I highly recommend the documentary "Quincy," Netflix, 2018! It's two hours of emotion, grit, and genius, with a behind-the-scenes look at an extraordinary life. I also leave here my humble tribute.

Quincy was born in a Chicago slum in 1933. At a school in Seattle, he developed his trumpet skills. At 14, he met another genius: Ray Charles, with whom he remained friends. By his 20s, Quincy demonstrated such musical talent that his gigs as an arranger and conductor turned into gigs for various jazz bands, even earning him international tours. At a young age, he was already breaking down elitist and racial barriers, something he continued to do for the rest of his career!

In 1958, he performed his first work with Frank Sinatra: a Grimaldi benefit concert in Monaco. Sinatra never stopped supporting the young man, who arranged many of his albums and shows, from iconic LPs with Count Basie, whose first album was 1964's "It Might as Well be Swing," to the 1984 album "LA is My Lady." Sinatra always gave due credit, and they were such good friends that he passed his ring on to him. Quincy never took it off his finger again.

A workaholic and perfectionist, he never stopped. Quincy Jones did it all: from film score composer (in 1964, at the request of director Sidney Lumet, he composed the score for "The Pawnbroker") to TV sitcom producer. Quincy produced "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," a 1990s comedy series that launched Will Smith. As a music producer, his greatest achievement was producing Michael Jackson's "Thriller" in 1982, the best-selling album in music history! And his legacy includes organizing the last-minute "We Are the World" in 1985 to combat famine in Ethiopia (watch "The Night That Changed Pop" on Netflix).

Winner of 28 Grammys, acclaimed by both audiences and critics, and having worked with absolutely extraordinary talents from all musical styles, Quincy Jones leaves a tremendous legacy not only for the United States, but for the world. His creativity, ability, and talent were well-utilized throughout his 70-year career. Now he deserves to rest in peace, but always shining a light on what's to come in the musical universe!

Quincy Jones is a true legend who accomplished tonnes in his life, and that's why he deserved a better documentary than this. Way too much filler for such a rich life. Maybe it should have been given to a non-family member, because Rashida Jones hasn't learned the lesson that not everything her father does is "newsworthy." The historical clips are awesome, and the juxtaposition between them work great, but the endless scenes of him in the hospital or at dinner or walking around or chatting with Kendrick Lamar could easily have been cut. I get she wanted to show how busy he is and how loved he is, but just because you filmed something,doesn't mean it's necessary to show in a 2 hour documentary.

This is the best biography documentary i have ever seen. Quincy J is a great man, who seen all the phases of life and succeeded with tremendous courage and his nobel art. being an India and living in India, it inspired me a lot. before this doc, i didn't known him, but after this doc, this man made me cry and inspired me a lot. now i know him and have a great respect for him.

This is a fitting retrospective of one of music's heroes. Quincy Jones is a giant of creativity - and as a music writer myself I gained so much from the little wise asides and musings that constantly crop up from past recorded interviews and in his narration .. It's an astounding story of a life well lived, and worth watching for recognition of his incredible contribution to art, culture, politics and charity. The fact he's a fallible human with a warm heart makes it even more enjoyable a ride.

The film was made with his daughter Rashida at the helm - which adds to the beauty of the tale in my eyes: family is hugely important to Quincy.

Any critic wishing there had been more dishing of the dirt is missing the point (I'm looking at you Charles Bramesco).

Great film - make sure you can hear it well, as the soundtrack is golden.