Quincy Jones’ cause of death revealed
The official cause of death for the legendary producer, composer, and musician Quincy Jones has been revealed. The Chicagoan, famed for his work with Lesley Gore, Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, and Michael Jackson, died on November 3rd at the age of 91.
Jones won 28 Grammy Awards over his career and was known as one of the most influential producers ever. He also composed film scores for classics such as In the Heat of the Night, The Italian Job, and The Color Purple, and his cultural reach was not confined to one medium.
His death was confirmed by his publicist, Arnold Robinson, who revealed that the musical icon had passed away surrounded by those closest to him in Los Angeles. In a heartfelt statement, the Jones family shared:
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
At that stage, no cause of death was provided. However, CNN has now announced that Jones died from pancreatic cancer, according to his death certificate. The outlet obtained a copy of the document on Wednesday, and they report that no other contributing factors were listed for his death but note that he had been living with cancer for years.
Who paid tribute to Quincy Jones?
Given that Jones made such a widespread impact on culture, tributes poured in from across the world after his death was announced, ranging from icons of his generation, such as Paul McCartney, Tom Jones and Michael Caine, to contemporary figures, such as Colman Domingo and Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso. Even British comedian Jason Manford reflected on his passing.
Posting on Instagram, former Beatles bassist McCartney wrote: “His long career stretches back to the early days when he was a trumpet player, then a band leader, then a producer of many great records. But it is as a friend I would like to remember him. We always had fun in his presence and his legend will continue through the years, but it is those private moments we were lucky enough to have with the great man that I will always remember fondly.”
Elsewhere, his daughter, actor Rashida Jones, who he shared with second wife Peggy Lipton, shared an emotional tribute to her father. “He was a giant. An icon. A culture shifter. A genius,” she continued. “All accurate descriptions of my father but his music (and ALL of his work) was a channel for his love. He WAS love. He made everyone he ever met feel loved and seen. That’s his legacy.”
“I was fortunate enough to experience this love in close proximity. I’ll miss his hugs and kisses and unconditional devotion and advice. Daddy, it is an honour to be your daughter. Your love lives forever,” Jones concluded.
Quincy Jones is survived by his seven children from three different marriages, including Rashida, Quincy III, Kidada, and Kenya.
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