Quincy Jones, producer of Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, dies aged 91

Legendary musician and producer Quincy Jones, renowned for his collaborations with Michael Jackson, passed away peacefully at his Bel Air home on Sunday night, confirmed by his publicist, Arnold Robinson.

“With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our father and brother, Quincy Jones. While his absence is deeply felt, we are grateful for his remarkable life, knowing there will never be another like him,” the family shared in a statement.

Jones gained fame as the producer of Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller album, among numerous other achievements. Over his remarkable 75-year career, he amassed 28 Grammy awards and was recognized by Time magazine as one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century.

Early in his career, Jones collaborated closely with Frank Sinatra, notably reworking Fly Me to the Moon from a waltz to a swing style. In 1978, he worked alongside a young Michael Jackson in the film The Wiz, eventually producing Jackson’s Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad albums, which together sold millions worldwide.

In 1985, Jones united 46 of America’s most popular artists, including Jackson, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, and Cyndi Lauper, to record We Are the World, co-written to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia. The single reached number one in both the UK and the US and was performed at Live Aid.

Jones also composed music for over 50 films and television shows, including the British film The Italian Job and produced the acclaimed movie The Color Purple, which introduced audiences to Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg. He later co-produced The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air on television.

While Jones’ contributions spanned film, television, and theater, his achievements in music were unmatched. Besides winning multiple Grammys, including a Legend Award in 1992, he was honored by the Emmys, Tonys, and Oscars.

Jones, who was married three times, leaves behind seven children, including music producer Quincy Jones III and actress Rashida Jones, known for The Office. His family expressed, “Quincy Jones was truly one of a kind, and through his music and boundless love, his spirit will live on forever.”

Tributes poured in, with playwright Jeremy O’Harris honoring Jones’ cultural impact and rapper LL Cool J remembering him as a “mentor” and “role model.” Singer Darius Rucker called Jones “one of the all-time greats,” while British DJ Tony Blackburn described him as a “musical genius.”