Music industry titan Quincy Jones, known for his collaborations with legends like Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, passed away on Sunday night (Monday in Manila). He was 91.
His death was confirmed by his publicist, Arnold Robinson, in a statement that did not specify a cause. Jones died at his home in Bel-Air, Los Angeles.
In a statement sent to CNN, the Jones family expressed their grief and gratitude: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. 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.
He is truly one of a kind, and we will miss him dearly. We take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy that were the essence of his being were shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
Born on March 14, 1933, Jones leaves behind a legacy that has profoundly shaped the music industry and popular culture over a career spanning more than seven decades.
Jones produced Michael Jackson’s Thriller, the best-selling album of all time, and worked on acclaimed records such as Off the Wall and Bad. His contributions earned him 28 Grammy Awards from 80 nominations, solidifying his place as one of the industry’s most celebrated figures. In 1992, he received the Grammy Legend Award, an honor reserved for those with an exceptional impact on music.
Beyond music, Jones was a trailblazer in film and television, composing scores for films like The Color Purple and producing projects that promoted diversity in Hollywood. His influence extended to publishing as the founder of VIBE magazine.
