Quincy Jones, a music legend and cultural icon whose influence spanned generations, has passed away at the age of 91. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, announced that Jones died peacefully Sunday night, surrounded by family at his home in Los Angeles.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” Robinson stated, adding, “This is an incredible loss for our family, yet we celebrate the great life he lived, knowing there will never be another like him.”
Few individuals have left a mark on American culture quite like Jones, a 28-time Grammy winner and a mastermind behind some of the 20th century’s most unforgettable sounds. From his production of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” to his work with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Ella Fitzgerald, Jones exemplified musical mastery across a spectrum of genres, proving that genuine talent knows no boundaries.
Even in his final days, Jones was deeply connected to his family, as evidenced by his last Instagram post: a touching message to his daughter, Martina, in honor of her 58th birthday. “Happy Birthday to my Tina Beena @martinafotos1!! 🎉 So proud to be yo papa! Big hug, I love you eternally 🫶🏾💜,” he wrote, reminding fans of the love he cherished with those closest to him.
Jones’ journey to stardom wasn’t handed to him. Growing up in the South Side of Chicago, he overcame the challenges of inner-city life, avoiding the traps of gang life by throwing himself into music. He started playing trumpet at the age of 14 with none other than Ray Charles, then just 16, in Seattle clubs. From those early days, he went on to study at Seattle University and later in Boston, before making his way to New York, where he would collaborate with jazz greats like Lionel Hampton, Charlie Parker, and Miles Davis.
But it wasn’t just jazz. Jones became a cultural force by bringing his talent into nearly every American home. He scored the soundtracks to “Roots” and “In the Heat of the Night,” arranged for the biggest stars, and produced shows like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” which introduced the world to Will Smith. His entertainment company, Quincy Jones Entertainment, shaped TV culture, producing popular shows including LL Cool J’s “In the House” and the long-running comedy show “MadTV.”
Perhaps the greatest testament to Jones’ influence is his partnership with Michael Jackson. As producer of “Thriller,” Jones helped create what remains the best-selling album of all time. Hits like “Billie Jean” and “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” didn’t just dominate the charts; they redefined pop music and established Jackson as the King of Pop, a title that owes much to Jones’ brilliance behind the scenes.
Jones’ work earned him 28 Grammy Awards, making him the third most-decorated Grammy winner in history. He was also honored with two honorary Academy Awards, an Emmy for “Roots,” and international recognition with France’s Legion d’Honneur and Italy’s Rudolph Valentino Award. In 1990, he was the subject of a documentary, *Listen Up: The Lives of Quincy Jones*, and in 2018, his daughter, actress Rashida Jones, produced a moving film celebrating his contributions.
As news of Jones’ passing spread, tributes poured in from Hollywood to the music world. Actor Michael Caine, a longtime friend, expressed his sadness on social media, saying, “My Celestial twin Quincy was a titan in the musical world. He was a wonderful and unique human being, lucky to have known him.” Fellow entertainers echoed similar sentiments. Actor Colman Domingo described him as “Mr. American Music himself,” adding, “I literally kneeled because he was a King.”
Darius Rucker of Hootie and the Blowfish captured the world’s sentiment when he wrote, “We have lost one of the all-time greats. The world will miss Quincy Jones. Rest my friend.”
While Jones was celebrated in the public sphere, he valued family above all else. Married three times, he had seven children, each of whom he loved deeply. He married his high school sweetheart, Jeri Caldwell, in the 1950s, sharing a daughter, Jolie, before divorcing in 1966. His second marriage to Ulla Andersson produced two children, Quincy III and Martina, before they separated in 1974. With actress Peggy Lipton, he fathered two daughters, Kidada and Rashida, though their marriage ended in 1989. Jones later had two more children, a daughter Rachel with dancer Carol Reynolds, and another daughter, Kenya, with actress Nastassja Kinski.
Despite the end of his marriages, Jones remained a devoted father and continued to inspire his children. His legacy lives on through them, as well as through the countless artists he mentored and the revolutionary music he created.
Quincy Jones leaves behind a legacy unparalleled in scope, a reminder that passion and resilience can transcend any obstacle. He redefined the sound of a generation, uniting listeners from all backgrounds in a shared love for music. Though he is gone, his influence will echo through the halls of music history for generations to come. Rest in peace, Quincy Jones—you’ve truly earned it.
