Music giant Quincy Jones dies at 91
On Sunday night, the world lost a monumental figure in music history, as Quincy Jones passed away peacefully at his Bel Air home at the age of 91. Known for his groundbreaking collaborations with artists like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, Jones’ influence spanned genres, generations, and continents.
Jones’ family shared the heartbreaking news: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we announce the passing of our father and brother Quincy Jones. Though this is an incredible loss, we celebrate the great life he lived, knowing there will never be another like him.”
Quincy Jones was a driving force behind some of music’s most iconic moments. As the producer of Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, he redefined pop music. His ability to bring out the best in every artist led to over 75 years of extraordinary achievements, including 28 Grammy Awards. Time magazine even named him one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century.
Jones’ career began in jazz, where he worked closely with legends like Frank Sinatra, transforming songs such as Fly Me To The Moon from a gentle waltz into a swing classic. Later, he found himself working with a young Michael Jackson on the set of The Wiz, a partnership that blossomed into a creative force behind Jackson’s Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad albums.
Beyond his contributions to individual artists, Jones used his platform to unite the music world for humanitarian causes. In 1985, he brought together 46 of the biggest stars—including Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Bruce Springsteen, and Cyndi Lauper—for We Are the World, a song he co-wrote to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief. The track reached number one in both the UK and the US, becoming an anthem of compassion and global solidarity.
As we remember Quincy Jones, we honor a legacy that transcends music itself. His vision, generosity, and dedication to his craft changed the industry and inspired countless artists and fans. There will never be another like him. Rest in peace, Quincy.