Quincy Jones, the extraordinary composer and producer behind iconic music spanning generations, has passed away at 91.
Known for his impeccable musical touch, Jones crafted timeless masterpieces with legends from Ray Charles and Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson.
He died peacefully on Sunday night in his Bel Air home, surrounded by family.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” his family shared in a heartfelt statement.
Although his absence leaves an enormous void, they find solace in knowing he shared his love and creativity with the world.
“Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity,” the family wrote.
Jones, a titan in jazz, pop, and film music, had a storied career that spanned seven decades.
His journey began in Chicago, where a young Jones developed an early passion for music, despite humble beginnings.
His talent blossomed, leading him to work with jazz greats like Count Basie, Sarah Vaughan, and his lifelong friend Ray Charles.
By 15, his skills had drawn the attention of bandleader Lionel Hampton, though Hampton’s wife insisted the teen complete school before embarking on a career.
That early discipline led Jones to Schillinger House (now Berklee College of Music).
Launching him into a career that included producing the landmark album Thriller for Michael Jackson and the charity anthem “We Are the World,”.
He gathered musical icons to aid famine relief.
In 1964, Jones broke racial barriers by becoming the first Black vice president at Mercury Records.
His first major pop hit, “It’s My Party,” topped the charts, and his film compositions for In the Heat of the Night and The Color Purple garnered accolades and cemented his influence across genres.
Jones endured challenges, including a brain aneurysm in 1974, which led him to briefly step back. He later recalled attending his memorial, which close friends had organized amid uncertain recovery prospects.
He returned with renewed drive, creating the television hit The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and founding Vibe magazine.
Over his lifetime, Quincy Jones shared love and life with three wives and was blessed with seven children, each a part of his rich tapestry of family and legacy.
Love life
In 1957, Jones married his high school sweetheart, Jeri Caldwell. They shared a bond of youthful dreams and together welcomed their daughter, Jolie.
Though their paths diverged after nearly a decade,
Caldwell remained an integral part of Jones’ story, holding a cherished place in his heart.
Then, in 1967, Quincy found love again with Swedish model Ulla Andersson.
Together, they welcomed two children, Martina and Quincy Jones III, a creative duo who mirrored their father’s artistic spirit.
Their journey lasted until 1974, a year that marked both a farewell to Andersson and a new beginning with actress Peggy Lipton.
Quincy and Peggy shared a deep connection that brought them two daughters,
Rashida and Kidada, each who would later leave their own indelible mark in entertainment.
Though they parted ways in 1990, the love they had nurtured endured, quietly threading through their daughters’ lives and careers.
In addition, Jones had a daughter, Rachel, with dancer Carol Reynolds, and a daughter, Kenya Kinski-Jones, with actress Nastassja Kinski.
These relationships, while brief, were woven with warmth and a shared pride in the lives and talents of their children.
Despite the winding paths of his personal life, Jones never slowed down.
At 81, he produced the documentary Keep on Keepin’ On in 2014,
a tender tribute to his mentor, jazz trumpeter Clark Terry.
Reflecting on his life’s work, Jones told Rolling Stone,
“I never thought about it until I hit 80,
but I have been blessed to work with every major music star in the history of America.”
Jones’ reflections grew deeper with time. In his 2022 book, 12 Notes On Life and Creativity, he distilled his philosophy, sharing,
“Creativity is one of the most beautiful gifts we possess…
it holds the power to transform heartache into something beyond a singular sentiment.
