Quincy Jones, legendary music producer, dies at 91
Quincy Jones, the legendary American music producer renowned for his pivotal role in Michael Jackson's success with the iconic 1982 album 'Thriller', passed away at his Bel Air, Los Angeles residence at the age of 91. The announcement was made by his publicist, Arnold Robinson, on Sunday, November 3. Born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago to a lineage of slave owners, Jones relocated to Seattle following his parents' divorce, where he befriended Ray Charles and performed in jazz venues. A talented multi-instrumentalist, he played with Elvis Presley in New York and mingled with bebop legends like Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. His production credits include work with Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin, as well as the film score for 'The Color Purple', directed by Steven Spielberg. Additionally, he co-produced 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', which launched Will Smith's career, and the charity single 'We Are the World' in 1985, featuring numerous stars. His family released a tribute, stating, "there will never be another like him."
Key facts
- Quincy Jones died at age 91 in his Bel Air home in Los Angeles
- He produced Michael Jackson's 1982 album 'Thriller', the best-selling album of all time
- Born in Chicago on March 14, 1933, to parents descended from slave owners
- He met Ray Charles in Seattle and played in jazz clubs
- He performed with Elvis Presley's band and met Charlie Parker and Miles Davis
- He produced 'We Are the World' in 1985, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie
- He co-produced 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air', launching Will Smith's career
- His publicist Arnold Robinson announced the death on November 3
Entities
Artists
- Quincy Jones
- Michael Jackson
- Ray Charles
- Nat King Cole
- Elvis Presley
- Charlie Parker
- Miles Davis
- Frank Sinatra
- Aretha Franklin
- Donna Summer
- Steven Spielberg
- Will Smith
- Stevie Wonder
- Tina Turner
- Diana Ross
- Dionne Warwick
- Bob Dylan
- Paul Simon
- Bruce Springsteen
- Lionel Richie
- Arnold Robinson
Institutions
- Westlake Studios
- Artribune
Locations
- Bel Air
- Los Angeles
- Chicago
- Seattle
- New York