Quincy Jones, the iconic American record producer and songwriter, has passed away at the age of 91. Ten days after his passing, official records reveal that he succumbed to pancreatic cancer. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health issued the death certificate, which was reported by TMZ on Wednesday.
Legendary music
Jones, who received an honorary Oscar earlier this year for his significant impact on the arts and his lifetime of achievements, was a visionary whose work shaped generations of music and culture. He was instrumental in producing Michael Jackson’s legendary albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, among numerous other projects that redefined popular music.
His family expressed their grief and admiration in a heartfelt statement: “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 passed away peacefully on a Sunday evening, surrounded by loved ones at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, according to his publicist Arnold Robinson.
Born on the South Side of Chicago, Jones overcame a challenging upbringing to become one of Hollywood’s pioneering Black executives and a globally influential music producer. His extraordinary career featured collaborations with legends like Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, as well as composition credits for notable films and television soundtracks, including Roots and In the Heat of the Night.
He famously organized President Bill Clinton’s first inaugural celebration and directed the historic recording of We Are the World, the 1985 charity anthem aimed at aiding famine relief efforts in Africa. Lionel Richie, a key contributor to We Are the World, hailed Jones as “the master orchestrator” for his exceptional ability to bring people together through music.
From performing with Count Basie and Lionel Hampton to influencing the world of philanthropy and beyond, Quincy Jones leaves a monumental legacy. His influence is felt across decades of music lovers and continues to resonate with leaders and creators worldwide.
