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!
