Legendary American record producer and television icon Quincy Delight Jones, whose remarkable career spanned more than seven decades, has passed away at 91.
His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed the news, stating that Jones passed peacefully on Sunday night at his Bel Air home in Los Angeles, with loved ones by his side.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family shared.
“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 worked alongside many legendary figures in the entertainment world, such as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Will Smith.
He gained widespread recognition for producing Jackson’s groundbreaking album Thriller, which shattered records with over 20 million copies sold in 1983 alone, securing its place as one of the highest-selling albums ever.
As a prolific composer and songwriter, Jones also spearheaded the star-studded charity single We Are The World in 1985, which became a global anthem for unity.
In 1968, Jones became the first African American to receive an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Song, with “The Eyes of Love” from the film Banning.
He further broke barriers in 1971, becoming the first African American to serve as musical director and conductor of the Academy Awards. His contributions were honored in 1995 with the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award, making him the first African American to receive this accolade.
Throughout his career, Jones has earned 28 Grammy Awards out of 80 nominations, and was named one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century by Time magazine.