Quincy Jones, the record-breaking producer and music industry icon, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 3. He was 91 years old.
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Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed the news. Robinson also revealed that the music icon had died at his home in Bel Air, California. Jones was surrounded by his family, including children and siblings, at the time of his passing.
Quincy Jones’ family also issued a statement. “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’ iconic music career spanned over seven decades. He is best known for producing three of Michael Jackson’s most successful albums, “Off the Wall,” “Thriller,” and “Bad.” He also produced and conducted the charity song “We Are the World,” raising funds for the victims of the Ethiopian famine.
During his career, Quincy Jones was nominated for 80 Grammy Awards, of which he won 28. He was also dubbed the all-time most-nominated composer and producer.
Along with music, Jones was known in the film industry. He was co-producer alongside Steven Spielberg for the 1985 film The Color Purple. Jones was then an executive producer for Will Smith’s comedy sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel Air.
He also appeared in various films, including Fantasia 2000 as a conductor for “Rhapsody in Blue” and himself in Austin Power in Goldmember.
Quincy Jones Previously Opened Up About Working With Michael Jackson
During a 2018 interview with Vulture, Quincy Jones opened up about working with Michael Jackson more than anyone the late pop icon was related to. Jones admitted that Jackson had stolen some music material.
“I hate to get into this publicity, but Michael stole a lot of stuff,” Jones admitted. “He stole a lot of songs. [Donna Summer’s] ‘State of Independence’ and ‘Billie Jean.’ The notes don’t lie, man. He was as Machiavellian as they come.”
He then described Jackson as “greedy” as well. Jones also noted that outside of music, he would be on Jackson for his plastic surgery. “I used to kill him about the plastic surgery, man. He’d always justify it and say it was because of some disease he had. Bulls—.”
Jones went on to add that Jackson’s key issue in the later years was medication. “At the end Michael’s problem was Propofol, and that problem affects everyone – doesn’t matter if you’re famous. Big Pharma making OxyContin and all that s— is a serious thing. I was around the White House for eight years I with the Clintons and I’d learn how much influence Big Pharm has. It’s no joke.”