Quincy Jones dead – Music legend who worked with Michael Jackson & Frank Sinatra dies aged 91
LEGENDARY music producer Quincy Jones, who worked with Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, has died aged 91.
The music producer and composer won 28 Grammy awards over his incredible 70-year career.
Jones had a long list of well-known music credits, including as the producer of Michael Jackson’s Thriller album.
His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed his death at the Los Angeles family home on Sunday surrounded by loved ones.
In a statement, his family said: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing.
“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 as a record producer, songwriter and composer as well as producing film and television.
He was married three times and had seven children, including actress Rashida Jones best known for her role as Karen Filippelli on The Office.
Jones was born in Chicago and in 1953, aged 20, went on a jazz tour with the Hampton orchestra.
He then went on to work in TV in New York City and later supported rock icon Elvis Presley in a studio band.
Lionel Richie, who worked on charity song We Are The World with Jones, described him as “the master orchestrator”.
Time magazine dubbed him on the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century.
Jones yesterday posted a heartfelt birthday tribute to his daughter Tina, writing: “Happy Birthday to my Tina Beena!!
“So proud to be yo papa! Big hug, I love you eternally.”
The dad-of-seven was married to Jeri Caldwell, Ulla Andersson and Peggy Lipton.
One of his sons is Quincy Jones III and also works as a music producer.
In a 2016 interview with the Library of Congress, Jones said: “The tracks don’t just all of a sudden appear.
“The producer has to have the skill, experience and ability to guide the vision to completion.”