Obituary, Quincy Jones (1933-2024)

Quincy Jones, the trailblazing composer, producer, and cultural icon who reshaped jazz, pop, and film music, has passed away at 91. Known for his boundless creativity, Jones’ influence stretched across seven decades, from big-band jazz to the best-selling album of all time. His career was a testament to the power of taking risks, pushing limits, and blending genres to create sounds that left a permanent mark on the music world.

Born in Chicago in 1933 and spending his formative years in Seattle, Jones discovered jazz as a young trumpet player. Inspired by legends like Count Basie and Duke Ellington, he spent his teenage years gigging in Seattle clubs before earning a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. But the lure of the stage called, and he left Berklee to tour with Lionel Hampton’s big band, learning the ropes of live jazz and honing his talent for arranging. By his early 20s, Jones was arranging for big names in jazz, including Dizzy Gillespie and Sarah Vaughan. In 1957, his first full-length album This Is How I Feel About Jazz arrived as a statement of his style: a blend of jazz tradition and modern bebop, intricate arrangements with an edge that set him apart. It was quickly followed up by Birth of a Band! in 1958, widely regarded as his finest big band statements, and featuring an incredible line-up, including Zoot Sims, Clark Terry, Harry Edison, and Phil Woods.

In the 1960s, Jones moved into new territory, scoring films and becoming one of the first Black composers to break into Hollywood. His soundtracks for films like The Pawnbroker and In Cold Blood brought a fresh, jazz-infused emotion to the screen. This crossover wasn’t just about Jones’ talents as a composer; it was a milestone for Black musicians in a world where few Black composers worked in Hollywood. His work redefined what a film score could sound like, merging jazz with cinematic drama and paving the way for a more diverse future in the industry.

Jones also made the most of the bossa nova craze, composing, arranging and perfoming this timeless classic in 1962...

By the 1980s, Jones was working with the biggest names in music. His productions for Michael Jackson—Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad—became cultural landmarks. Thriller went on to become the best-selling album of all time, transforming Jackson into a global phenomenon and showcasing Jones’ genius for blending pop with jazz and R&B. His sound was sleek, polished, and endlessly catchy, shaping the music landscape for years. In 1985, Jones pulled together the superstars for We Are the World, a charity single released to help combat famine in Africa, which demonstrated his belief in music as a force for change.

Jones’ impact extended beyond the music itself; he was a proud father of seven, including actress Rashida Jones and designer Kidada Jones. Known as a mentor and a constant supporter of new talent, he shared his wisdom with countless young musicians. A natural storyteller, he loved encouraging fresh voices and made it his mission to see the industry become more inclusive and innovative.

Quincy Jones’ legacy is immense and indelible. Whether in jazz, pop, or film, his contributions shaped the way we listen, blending genres and breaking barriers. He wasn’t just a producer or composer; he was a visionary who saw music as a powerful connector of people and cultures. Through his family, his protégés, and the timeless music he created, Jones’ spirit and influence will long continue to resonate.

Some of our favourite Quincy Jones jazz albums: