"An incredible loss": Quincy Jones dies at age 91
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones, who worked with the likes of Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra throughout his career, has died at the age of 91.
According to a statement from his family, he died on Sunday night at his home in Bel Air surrounded by friends and family.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” the statement read.
“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.”
“He is truly one of a kind and we will miss him dearly; we take comfort and immense pride in knowing that the love and joy, that were the essence of his being, was shared with the world through all that he created. Through his music and his boundless love, Quincy Jones’ heart will beat for eternity.”
A pioneer in the music industry, Jones arranged records for Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, composed the soundtracks for Roots and In the Heat of the Night, produced Michael Jackson's iconic album Thriller, and oversaw the all-star recording of We Are the World: the 1985 charity record for famine relief in Africa.
Dozens of movie and music stars have paid tribute to Jones, such as American singer and pianist Harry Connick Jr., who said that Jones was his "hero".
“My hero. truly one of the greatest minds the music world has ever known. he was so kind to me, so wonderful, such an influence. his legacy and his music will live forever. thank you for everything, Q. you were the dude,” he wrote on Instagram.
Acting icon Morgan Freeman said the producer had "left an enduring legacy" behind.
"Today, we say goodbye to the legendary Quincy Jones – a musical giant whose genius reshaped our world and left an enduring legacy. Rest well, Quincy."
Actor Colman Domingo recalled meeting Jones in a personal message, writing, “He asked, where are you from? Philly I replied, his eyes twinkled and he talked about the Uptown Theatre. I was so thrilled to meet Mr. American Music himself. I literally kneeled because he was a King. Thank you Mr. Quincy Jones for giving us all the sound."
Image credits: John Salangsang/Shutterstock Editorial