Quincy Jones — the multi-talented producer, composer and songwriter whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album to collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other recording artists — has died at 91, according to the Associated Press (AP).
Arnold Robinson, Jones’ publicist, confirmed the record producer died Nov. 3 at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the family said in 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 was to have received an honorary Academy Award later this month for his notable career as “one of the first Black executives to thrive in Hollywood and amassing an extraordinary musical catalog that includes some of the richest moments of American rhythm and song,” according to AP.
The list of his honors and awards fills 18 pages in his 2001 autobiography “Q,” including 27 Grammys at the time (now 28), an honorary Academy Award (now two) and an Emmy for “Roots.”
Lionel Richie, who co-wrote “We Are the World” and was among the featured singers, would call Jones “the master orchestrator” for the 1985 charity record.
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