Music legend Quincy Jones died at his Los Angeles home on Sunday night at the age of 91. The longtime music industry pro won 28 Grammys out of 80 nominations and is best known for helping Michael Jackson evolve into an international superstar.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the Jones family said in a statement.
The announcement continued, “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. 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, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
Jones was born on March 14, 1933, and grew up in Chicago. He began his seven-decade musical career as a trumpet player performing with jazz musicians such as Lionel Hampton and Dizzy Gillespie.
In addition to the King of Pop, Jones worked with several other icons, including Frank Sinatra, Paul Simon, and Aretha Franklin.
The tributes poured in on social media. Rapper LL Cool J shared on Instagram that Jones was “a father and example at a time when I truly needed a father and example. Mentor. Role model. King.”
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“You gave me opportunities and shared wisdom,” the post went on. “Music would not be music without you. My condolences to the entire family. I love you. Rest in the sweetest music eternally.”
Actor Colman Domingo starred in a remake of “The Color Purple” in 2023. Jones, who scored the 1985 version, served as producer on the film along with Academy Award winner Steven Spielberg.
“I was so thrilled to meet Mr. American Music himself. I literally kneeled because he was a King,” Domingo wrote of meeting Jones. “Thank you Mr. Quincy Jones for giving us all the sound.”
The musician is survived by seven children and three grandchildren. He was the godfather of his namesake, the actor and musician Quincy Brown.