Grammy-winner and American songwriter, composer and record producer passed away on November 3, 2024. The Grammy Legend Award winner, who began his career with jazz music arrangements moved easily between genres to produce pop and film scores.
The news of his death's news came through a statement by his publicist, Arnold Robinson. The statement did not mention a cause of death, only to state that he died peacefully at his home in Bel Air.
Record breaking artist
Jones was a record-breaking and making artist. He had several credits to his name including being the first African American to be nominated twice for the Academy Award for Best Original Score for his work in the same year(1967).
In 1971, Quincy Jones became the first African American to be the musical director and conductor of the Academy Awards.
Another record he held close to his heart was him being the first African American to receive the academy's Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award.
As one of the most influential jazz musicians of the 20th century, Quincy Jones has a legacy hard to match.
Here are his Top 5 best Jazz tracks to revisit as the legendary musician leaves behind an unmatchable legacy.
The Dude ( 1981)
The Dude is one of Quincy Jones' most recognisable album. Three of his singles from the album made it to the US Top 40 at the time of release in 1981. Besides the USA, tracks such as 'Ai No Corrida 'and' Razzamatazz' also topped the United KIngdom Singles Chart.
The Dude was also nomniated for 12 Grammy Awatds and won three at the 24th Grammy Awards.
Thriller ( 1982)
While Thriller is largely American singer and icon Michael Jackson's arguably 'greatest album', it was produced by Quincy Jones. With Thriller, Jackson moved away from disco music to rock, pop, synth-pop and R&B sounds.
Thriller made it to the US Billboard and sold 32 million copies worldwide by the end of 1983, making it the best-selling album of all time.
Thanks to Quincy Jones and Jackson that Thriller set industry standards, and has a kind of cultural significance that helped black American music supersede racial barriers when it came to singing, writing and producing music.
Body Heat ( 1974)
All songs from the album are one of a kind. 'Body Heat' was such a game-changer for Quincy that it became the highest-charting album on the Billboard 200, peaking at number six. Body Heat's cultural significance is also quite huge.
Walking in Space ( 1969)
This studio album was recorded in 1969 by Jones for A&M who released the album with a cover picture of Jones. Valerie Simpson also lent her voice for the title track of the album. Walking in Space is one of the many favourites of Jones' die-hard fans.
Big Band Bossa Nova ( 1962)
Another Jones' album, recorded from A&R Studios with the label Mercury, this album with 11 jazzy tracks is a one of a kind track that only proves Jones' versitality when it comes to being an artist.
Quincy Jones successflly collaborated with the likes of Frank Sinatra, Michael Jackson, David Salzman, Celine Dion, Justn Kauflin, and several other stars of the American music industry.
Jones' contribution to the American music industry, especially with the way roots of pop music were set is unmatchable and a legacy to be cherished and honoured forever.