Quincy Jones dead: Tributes pour in for legendary music producer
Quincy Jones, the iconic music producer who won 28 Grammy Awards over the course of his career, has died aged 91.
Jones’ death has been confirmed by his publicist, Arnold Robinson, who shared that he passed away surrounded by those closest to him on November 3rd in Los Angeles. At this stage, no cause of death has been stated.
In a 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.”
Jones’ celebrated career saw him work alongside huge names in the music industry, such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Ella Fitzgerald, and Michael Jackson. As a producer, Jones helped Jackson reach unprecedented heights on the best-selling album of all time, Thriller. He also produced Off The Wall and Bad.
The late music producer is survived by his seven children from three different marriages, including the singer-songwriter Rashida Jones, who he shared with his second wife Peggy Linton.
Here, Far Out runs live updates as tributes pour in for the legendary producer.
The death of Quincy Jones
While this live blog is now coming to a close, the music world will continue to remember Jones and celebrate his legacy over the coming weeks. The number of internationally-renowned figures that have come together to share their memories of him and appreciation for his craft is a mark of the impact he made which will never be forgotten.
[Link]Tom Jones pens tribute
Welsh singer Sir Tom Jones is the latest musical figure to pay tribute to Quincy Jones. The crooner was once neighbours with Quincy when he lived in Los Angeles, and knew him well on a personal level.
Jones wrote on X: “Well played Quincy, you will be missed. With respect and admiration, Sir Tom Jones.”
LL Cool J shares tribute
In addition to Jones’ career in the music industry, he founded Quincy Jones Entertainment in 1990 which led to him moving into television. Most notably, he produced The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, but he also gave LL Cool J his own sitcom, In the House, which ran for four years between 1995 and 1999.
Additionally, LL Cool J was in a relationship with Jones’ daughter, Kidada Jones, in the early 1990s.
In a poignant tribute, the rapper shared: “You were a father and example at a time when I truly needed a father and example. Mentor. Role model. King. You gave me opportunities and shared wisdom. Music would not be music without you. My condolences to the entire family. I love you. Rest in the sweetest music eternally.”
[Link]Quincy Jones once named his only regret
During a wide-ranging conversation with Oprah Winfrey, Jones looked back on his life and career, including his only regret.
Throughout his life, Jones was married to three different women, and had seven children. However, Jones admitted that he wasn’t always the best father, stating, “My only regrets are about my children. When they were growing up, I didn’t know how to be there for them. I think my son got hit hardest. Maybe it was the Oedipus complex: My 4-year-old boy wanted to take care of his mother, and to do that he had to turn against his father a bit. That didn’t straighten out until much later.”
Thankfully, Jones mended his relationship with his children, and was surrounded by his family when he passed away in Los Angeles on November 3rd.
[Link]Victoria Monét calls Jones one of her “biggest inspirations”
American singer Victoria Monét, who has won three Grammy Awards, has paid tribute to Jones, labelling him as one of her “biggest inspirations”.
Monét also said, “Quincy I love you so much!!! Your legacy will live on forever and ever. Heaven definitely got an upgrade with you”.
So far in her career, Monét has only released one album, 2023’s Jaguar II, but has established herself as one of the most important voices in contemporary R&B, a genre that has Jones’ fingerprints imprinted into its DNA.
[Link]Billy Bragg hails Quincy Jones a “genius”
English singer-songwriter Billy Bragg has also paid tribute to Jones, and highlighted his production on George Benson’s ‘Give Me The Night’ as the producer’s finest work.
Bragg shared on X: “Quincy Jones produced so much amazing music during his long career, but I never knew he was responsible for the soundtrack of The Italian Job! Here’s a great example of his genius production and arrangement. So long, sir.”
Colman Domingo honours “Mr. American Music himself”
Hollywood actor Colman Domingo, who starred in a 2023 remake of The Color Purple which was originally soundtracked by Jones in 1985, has also shared his memories of the late musician.
Taking to X, he posted a photo of Jones alongside the caption: “He asked, where are you from? Philly I replied, his eyes twinkled and he talked about the Uptown Theater. I was so thrilled to meet Mr. American Music himself. I literally kneeled because he was a King. Thank you Mr. Quincy Jones for giving us all the sound.”
Michael Caine labels Quincy Jones his “celestial twin” in tribute
British acting royalty Michael Caine has paid tribute to Quincy Jones on X, labelling the late producer his “celestial twin”.
Caine wrote: “My Celestial twin Quincy was a titan in the musical world. He was a wonderful and unique human being, lucky to have known him.”
Quincy Jones on the role of a producer
Although Jones was lauded as a giant of a music producer, who had the capabilities to turn water into wine, this was due to him perfecting the craft, and was no fluke.
While speaking to the Library of Congress in 2016, Jones powerfully said: “If an album doesn’t do well, everyone says ‘it was the producer’s fault’. The tracks don’t just all of a sudden appear. The producer has to have the skill, experience and ability to guide the vision to completion.”
[Link]Jason Manford recalls interviewing Quincy Jones
British stand-up comedian Jason Manford has shared his memories of spending time with Jones, who appeared as a guest on BBC programme The One Show when Manford was the host. “What a genius of a man, a gentleman and an incredible human being,” he shared alongside a photo of them together.
Furthermore, he also recounted spending time with Jones at dinner following the broadcast, recalling, “He took us out for dinner afterwards with Rod Temperton & his wife, regailing us with stories of Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra & even Pablo Picasso. Still one of the greatest nights and pleasures of my life. Will always cherish it. Rest in Peace legend.”
Quincy Jones remarks on Donald Trump resurface
Jones was never shy to share his opinions on notable figures in the public eye, including Donald Trump. The Republican politician is set to square off against Vice President Kamala Harris in the US Election on November 4th, and Jones spent considerable time in his company before Trump entered politics.
While speaking to Vulture in 2017, Jones said of Trump: “I used to hang out with him. He’s a crazy motherfucker. Limited mentally – a megalomaniac, narcissistic. I can’t stand him.”
Jones also criticised Trump’s sensibilities as a businessman, remarking, “A symphony conductor knows more about how to lead than most businesspeople – more than Trump does. He doesn’t know shit. Someone who knows about real leadership wouldn’t have as many people against him as he does. He’s a fucking idiot.”
[Link]Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso pays tribute
Femi Koleoso, the bandleader for the Mercury Prize-winning band Ezra Collective, is among the first to pay tribute to Jones. Taking to X, Koleoso recounted his band performing at Jones’ birthday party a few years ago which was a huge honour for the group.
He shared: “Masterful musician and beautiful soul. Rest in peace and eternally grateful for seeing something in me and my brothers all those years ago. Playing at your birthday party with Ezra Collective was an opportunity that changed our lives for ever. Rest in peace Quincy Jones.”
Quincy Jones’ unique view of the music
Jones’ status as a musical legend seemed to be prognosticated from the start. At the age of six, his mother was on the brink of a schizophrenic episode when he heard sweet music from his neighbour’s piano chime through the walls of his family home, offering salvation. From that moment on, he was inspired by the power of music.
Then, all it took was his father’s own motto – “Once a task is just begun, never leave until it’s done. Be the labour great or small, do it well or not at all” – to send him on his way to greatness. Music became a constant dedication in his life thereafter, not just as a creator but also as a fan, as you can see from the list of his favourite songs below.
His favourites included tracks by Michael Jackson, Kendrick Lamar, Diana Ross and many more.
Quincy Jones’ partnership with Michael Jackson
While Jones achieved musical accomplishments over the course of many decades, none were as commercially successful as his partnership with Michael Jackson. After meeting on the set of The Wiz in 1978, Jackson asked Jones to recommend a producer, which led to him taking the producer’s seat on Off The Wall.
The success of the project unlocked a new level of superstardom for Jackson, which set the foundations for Thriller to become the best-selling album of all time.
Although their careers splintered in two different directions after Bad, Jones said following Jackson’s death: “I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the ’80s.”
He continued: “To this day, the music we created together on Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad is played in every corner of the world, and the reason for that is because he had it all … talent, grace, professionalism, and dedication. He was the consummate entertainer, and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”
A family statement
The sad news of Quincy Jones’ death was by his publicist, Arnold Robinson, speaking on behalf of the family.
In a 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.”
Quincy Jones dead at 91
Today, the music industry is in mourning following the sad death of legendary producer Quincy Jones who died aged 91 at his family home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, on November 3rd, 2024. Jones won 28 Grammy Awards throughout his career, which saw him work with Frank Sinatra and turn Michael Jackson into a solo star.
At this stage, no cause of death has been confirmed.
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