Quincy Delight Jones Jr. was born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois.
As a young man, around the age of 10, he started playing the trumpet. His love for music led him to
pursue music at Garfield High School in Seattle, WA, where he did well.
Jones career started in the late 1950s, where he became the first African American conductor for the
NBC Orchestra.
In 1963, Jones arranged music for the famous film “Lambert the Sheepish Lion,” marking the beginning of
his incredible career.
Over the next several years Jones continued to excel and formed the record label “Qwest Productions”. He also produced for acts such as Frank Sinatra, Lesley Gore, Chaka Khan, George Benson and many other hitmaking artists.
Several years later in the 1980s, he produced Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” It became the best-selling album of all time winning eight Grammy Awards in 1984, which is still a record to this today!
Quincy Jones not only was talented on the music/producer spectrum, he made a significant amount of
contributions to the television and film industry as well.
He scored music for “In the Heat of the Night,” “The Cosby Show,” “Sanford and Son,” and movies
like “The Wiz” and “The Color Purple” just to name a few.
Throughout his career, Jones collaborated with a variety of artists such as Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra,
Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, and even Ice-T.
Quincy Jones was a music mogul and a philanthropist. In 1995, he founded the “Quincy Jones Listen
Up Foundation,” which works to empower young people through educational programs and providing
opportunities in arts and music.
Below are some of Quincy Jones most notable recognitions and awards:
- 28 Grammy Awards
- Songwriters Hall of Fame
- Polar Music Prize
- BET Humanitarian Award
- Unity Through Music Award
- Clinton Global Citizen Award
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
- Emmy Award Foundation inductee – “Black Music & Entertainment Walk of Fame”
Quincy Jones influence went beyond just entertainment. His music often reflected social issues as well. In 1985, he co-produced “We Are the World,” with the goal of raising funds for “African famine relief.” This song became a global anthem of hope. Quincy Jones life and legacy are incredible. His contributions to society and entertainment will leave an everlasting impact.
Quincy Delight Jones Jr.
3/14/1933 – 11/3/2024
