Profile of Quincy Jones, World Music Legend Who Passed Away at Age 91

Kapanlagi.com - The global music industry is once again in mourning with the passing of maestro Quincy Jones. This renowned American musician and producer passed away at the age of 91 in his home in Bel Air, California, on Sunday night local time. The news of the departure of this jazz and pop music legend has brought deep sorrow to his family and music fans around the world.

Quincy Jones is a legendary figure who has been active for more than half a century in the music world. Known as the producer behind Michael Jackson's album Thriller, Jones also won 28 Grammy Awards throughout his life. His representative, Arnold Robinson, stated that Jones passed away peacefully surrounded by his closest family at his home.

1. The Unexpected Early Life of Quincy Jones

Profile of Quincy Jones, World Music Legend Who Passed Away at Age 91. (credit: instagram/quincyjones)

Quincy Delight Jones Jr. was born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois. His childhood was filled with challenges, including an unstable family situation due to his mother's mental illness. Raised by his grandmother in Louisville, Kentucky, Jones grew up in a harsh and challenging environment. However, from these experiences, he discovered his love for music, which would later become his life's path.

As a teenager, Jones became interested in musical instruments, especially the piano, after an incident where he accidentally discovered the instrument in a broken-into armory. This moment ultimately shaped his dream of becoming a musician.

2. The Early Journey of His Music Career

Profile of Quincy Jones, the Music Legend Who Passed Away at Age 91. (credit: instagram/quincyjones)

As he entered his teenage years, Quincy Jones began to carve out his career in the world of jazz music. One influential figure in his life was Count Basie, who took him on as a student at the age of 13. Jones learned various jazz music techniques, especially from renowned jazz musicians who visited Seattle, where he lived at the time.

Additionally, his musical experiences became richer when he met Clark Terry, a trumpet player, who taught him various techniques for playing the instrument. Young Quincy’s dedication ultimately led him to continue learning from other prominent jazz musicians.

3. Career in America to Journey in Europe

Profile of Quincy Jones, the Music Legend Who Passed Away at Age 91. (credit: instagram/quincyjones)

After becoming well-known in America, Quincy got the opportunity to join Lionel Hampton's tour, a renowned vibraphone player. This opportunity took him to France, where he worked at Barclay Records as a producer and music arranger. In Paris, he also studied under Nadia Boulanger, a mentor to great composers like Aaron Copland and Leonard Bernstein.

In Paris, Quincy began experimenting with various musical styles, including jazz, funk, and Afro-Cuban elements. His experiences there enriched his understanding of music, while also providing him with the creative freedom that was hard to find in the United States at that time.

4. Return and Career at an American Record Label

Profile of Quincy Jones, the World Music Legend Who Died at Age 91. (credit: instagram/quincyjones)

In 1961, Jones returned to America and joined Mercury Records as an artist and repertoire director. This position made him one of the first black musicians to hold a high position at a major record label. Three years later, he became the vice president of Mercury Records and played a crucial role in promoting other jazz and pop artists.

Quincy's career continued to flourish alongside his responsibilities as an arranger for several legendary singers, including Frank Sinatra. His success at Mercury Records established him as an important figure in the music industry.

5. Iconic Collaboration with Michael Jackson

Profile of Quincy Jones, the Music Legend Who Passed Away at Age 91. (credit: instagram/quincyjones)

Quincy Jones's career reached its peak when he produced Michael Jackson's album Thriller. The album, released in 1982, achieved extraordinary popularity and became the best-selling album of all time, paving the way for pop to be accepted globally.

In addition to Thriller, Jones also produced other albums, such as Off the Wall and Bad. These albums not only broke sales records but also solidified Quincy as one of the greatest producers in the history of pop music.

6. Dedication in Social Projects through Music

Profile of Quincy Jones, the Music Legend Who Passed Away at Age 91. (credit: instagram/quincyjones)

Beyond his career as a producer, Quincy Jones is also known for his dedication to humanitarian issues. One of his famous social projects is We Are the World, which raised funds for victims of famine in Ethiopia. The song featured major musicians and highlighted Quincy’s concern for the humanitarian crisis in the world.

The success of We Are the World affirms that Jones is not just a musician, but also an activist who cares about social and environmental issues.

7. Quincy Jones' Achievements

Profile of Quincy Jones, the Music Legend Who Passed Away at Age 91. (credit: instagram/quincyjones)

Throughout his life, Quincy Jones received 28 Grammy Awards from a total of 80 nominations. This achievement places him as the second most awarded musician in Grammy history. Not only that, he also received various special awards from prestigious universities like Harvard and Princeton, as well as awards from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Until the end of his life, Quincy Jones left a significant legacy in the music world that transcends genre and generation. His works not only entertain but also inspire musicians around the globe.

This is the profile of Quincy Jones who passed away at the age of 91. Stay tuned for more news. If not now, when?

(kpl/kpc)