DEPARTED GREAT ICONS: QUICY JONES

Quincy Jones is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in American music history. His ability to cross genres—jazz, pop, soul, classical, film music—and his talent for discovering and elevating artists have made him a monumental cultural icon.

Quincy Jones is one of the most influential figures in modern music history.

Born in 1933 in Chicago and raised in Seattle, he discovered music early and quickly became a talented trumpeter and arranger.

His big break came in the 1950s when he toured with Lionel Hampton and began arranging for jazz greats like Count Basie and Duke Ellington.

Ironside, Sanford and Son and The Bill Cosby Show

Began producing pop and soul albums, helping shape the sound of the decade.

Jones transitioned into composing film scores and broke racial barriers by becoming one of the first Black executives at a major record label, Mercury Records.

In the 1960s and ’70s, he wrote music for TV and film, including The Pawnbroker and Sanford and Son, and produced albums for major artists.

28 Grammy Awards (out of over 80 nominations) Grammy Legend Award (1991)

Kennedy Center Honor (2001).

His most famous collaboration came in the 1980s with Michael Jackson, producing Off the Wall, Thriller (the best-selling album of all time), and Bad.

He also produced the charity hit We Are the World, uniting dozens of artists for famine relief in Africa.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee (2013)

Honorary Doctorates from institutions like Harvard and Berklee.

Quincy (2018) – Netflix documentary directed by his daughter Rashida Jones and Alan Hicks, showcasing his life and enduring influence.

Beyond music, Jones is a humanitarian, film and TV producer, and mentor to generations of artists.

He has won 28 Grammys and received countless honors for his lifetime of achievements.

Quincy Jones's story is one of talent, innovation, and breaking boundaries—he changed the sound of popular music and opened doors for countless others.

Founded Qwest Records and continued producing for artists such as Patti Austin, Tevin Campbell, and James Ingram. All support information from Googles.