(PatriotNews.net) – Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer, composer, and all-around icon, passed away Sunday night at his home in Bel Air, California. He was 91 years old. His publicist confirmed the sad news, saying that Jones was surrounded by his children, siblings, and close family at the time of his passing. The family, requesting privacy, shared a heartfelt message: “Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. Although this is an incredible loss, we celebrate the great life he lived and know there will never be another like him. He truly was one of a kind.”
Quincy Jones’s career was nothing short of remarkable. He began making waves in the music industry in the 1950s and went on to work with some of the biggest stars, like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, and Michael Jackson. In fact, Jones produced Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking album Thriller, which remains the best-selling album of all time. He also helped create the famous song “We Are the World” in the 1980s, bringing together a huge group of artists to support famine relief in Africa.
Jones made history in more ways than one. In 1961, he became the first Black executive at a major record label when he took on the role of vice president at Mercury Records. He then moved into film, co-producing the movie The Color Purple in 1985 with director Steven Spielberg. This film received 11 Oscar nominations and brought Jones even more acclaim. He also helped launch the hit TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which introduced the world to a young Will Smith.
Over his 75-year career, Quincy Jones won numerous awards. He took home 28 Grammy Awards, earned 80 Grammy nominations, and achieved the prestigious EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. He was also awarded the National Medal of Arts in 2010 and recognized by the Kennedy Center in 2001.
Beyond his work in music, TV, and film, Jones was known for his humanitarian efforts, starting in the 1960s. He was a best-selling author and an influential voice for various causes.
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