Quincy Jones, musician and producer who worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and many others, has died at the age of 91.
Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, said he “passed away peacefully” on Sunday night at his home in Bel Air. “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,” the family said in a statement.
Quincy Jones, one of the 20th century’s most influential jazz musicians, played a monumental role in shaping modern music. From helping to transform Michael Jackson into the “King of Pop” to crafting unforgettable film and TV themes, Jones was a true titan of the industry, whose legacy has endured for more than seven decades. Recognised with 28 Grammy Awards and an Oscar, he worked alongside presidents, international leaders, film stars, and some of the biggest names in music. Following his death at the age of 91, we take a look back at some of his most remarkable collaborations.
Michael Jackson: Creating the king of pop
Jones’s partnership with Michael Jackson helped transform the former child star into a global icon. He produced Jackson’s record-breaking albums Off The Wall, Thriller, and Bad, which together redefined pop music and achieved near-universal appeal. Classic tracks such as Billie Jean and Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough continue to be radio staples even four decades after their release. Jones and Jackson’s work on Thriller, which sold over 20 million copies in 1983 alone, secured the album’s place as one of the best-selling records in history.
Frank Sinatra: A lifelong bond and an iconic song
Frank Sinatra, the legendary crooner, developed a deep friendship with Jones, whom he affectionately nicknamed “Q”. Their bond was so strong that Sinatra left Jones his family crest ring after his death. Jones’s arrangement of Sinatra’s Fly Me To The Moon – with its lively rhythm and soulful flute – became the song’s most beloved version. So popular was this rendition that astronaut Buzz Aldrin played it on the moon during the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, forever intertwining it with a historic moment.
Ray Charles: A friendship of musical legends
Jones’s connection with Ray Charles dates back to their teenage years when the young Jones, a budding trumpet player, formed a close bond with Charles. Jones credited Charles’s resilience and triumph over adversity as one of his greatest inspirations. The two went on to collaborate throughout their lives, with Jones producing much of Charles’s acclaimed 1961 album Genius + Soul = Jazz and composing the hit In the Heat of the Night. Their enduring friendship remained a constant amid the evolving music landscape.
Lionel Richie and We Are The World
In 1985, Jones joined forces with Lionel Richie to organise We Are The World, a star-studded record created to raise funds for Ethiopian famine relief. The iconic song brought together artists like Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross, Bruce Springsteen, and Smokey Robinson in one of the largest musical collaborations ever assembled. Richie described Jones as “the master orchestrator”, and Jones set the tone for the session with a sign reading, “Leave your ego at the door”.
Soundtracks and TV themes: From Austin Powers to The Fresh Prince
Jones’s influence extended beyond the world of music albums to film and television, where he composed soundtracks for over 50 films and shows. His film scores included In The Heat of the Night, The Color Purple, and The Italian Job. His TV work included theme music for popular shows like Sanford and Son, Ironside, and an early version of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air theme. Perhaps most recognisable is Soul Bossa Nova, composed by Jones in 1962, which gained renewed fame as the theme for the Austin Powers films, embedding it in pop culture history.
Quincy Jones leaves behind a rich and influential legacy, having profoundly shaped popular music, film, and television. His contributions continue to resonate with audiences around the world, a testament to his genius and enduring impact on the industry.
