Los Angeles, CA (Diya TV) — Legendary music producer Quincy Jones, who explored music at different periods of a very long career spanning over seven decades has died. He was 91.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1933, Quincy Delight Jones Jr. was born on the city’s South Side to humble beginnings. He eventually became one of the most influential figures in American music, beginning his career as a jazz musician and working with such icons as Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles.
By the 1960s, Jones was producing and arranging pop music, gaining rapid success with hits for Lesley Gore, notably “It’s My Party.” His work was seen as innovative, and through his association with Michael Jackson in the 1980s, he sealed his place in music lore. Jones produced Jackson’s three definitive albums: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987), the latter of which is the best-selling record ever.
Jones’s influence extended far beyond music. He was the ambassador of culture and a philanthropist who went across many cultural entertainment lines. In 1985, he spearheaded an enormous charity single called “We Are the World,” raising millions to end hunger in Africa. He made a similar impact in Hollywood by producing films such as The Color Purple (1985) and the popular series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Jones won 28 Grammy Awards as part of his career span, along with an unmatched 80 nominations. Due to this, he also received a Grammy Legend Award in 1992. In addition, Jones had been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 and received the Kennedy Center Honors in 2001. Throughout his whole life, Jones continued an active engagement in the world of music, collaborating on projects with contemporary artists while developing programs for services, such as Qwest TV, his music documentary and archival footage streaming service.
Survived by his seven children, including actresses Rashida and Kidada Jones.
