Music icon Quincy Jones passes away at 91 after decades of transformative influence

Quincy Jones, legendary producer behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller,' dies at 91, leaving an indelible mark on music.

Quincy Jones, a transformative figure in American entertainment, has passed away at the age of 91. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed that Jones died peacefully at his Bel Air home on Sunday night, surrounded by family. Renowned for his versatility, Jones was a prolific producer, composer, and musician, working with industry giants such as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, and Will Smith. His production work on Jackson’s 'Thriller,' the best-selling album of all time, solidified his reputation, while his influence extended through genres like jazz, pop, soul, and R&B.

Jones’ legacy includes not only music production but also contributions to film and television. He scored films such as The Color Purple and The Italian Job, and his TV production company, Quincy Jones Entertainment, found success with The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. With 28 Grammy wins from 80 nominations, Jones was among the most awarded in Grammy history, ranking third after Beyoncé and Jay-Z.

Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones began his music career young, eventually touring with Lionel Hampton and Ray Charles. Despite early struggles, including significant debt, he established himself at Mercury Records and continued to innovate across multiple media. Jones is survived by his seven children, leaving a legacy that shaped modern entertainment.