US Vice President Kamala Harris with Quincy Jones. Picture: Twitter/X
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones, who worked with the likes of Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, has died in Los Angeles aged 91.
His publicist, Arnold Robinson, announced that he died on Sunday (local time) at his Bel Air home surrounded by family. A cause of death was not disclosed.
Jones’s family issued a statement after his passing “with full but broken hearts” while reflecting on “the great life that he lived”.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing. 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,” the family statement said.
“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.”
US Vice President and presidential candidate Kamala Harris paid tribute on social media.
“Quincy Jones was a trailblazer. As a composer, arranger, record and movie producer, he created art that brought joy to millions of people,” she posted.
“As an activist, Quincy championed civil and human rights. As a role model, he offered inspiration and mentorship, in particular for young people of colour in the music industry.
“I was honoured to call Quincy a friend, and I will always remember his generosity of spirit, his selfless support, and his deep kindness. Doug and I are praying for the Jones family and all those who loved him,” she wrote.
Actor Clint Eastwood posted: “Extremely saddened by the passing of Quincy Jones, He will be truly missed…”
Other celebrities like Will Smith also paid tribute.
In a career that spanned 70 years, Jones produced Michael Jackson’s albums Off the Wall, Thriller and Bad in the 1980s.
Jones also worked with jazz greats such as Miles Davis, produced Sinatra and put together the superstar ensemble that recorded the 1985 fund-raiser We Are the World.
Jones also contributed his talents to film scores such as The Color Purple and the 1990s television show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
For his outstanding achievements in the music industry, Jones was recognised with a Grammy Legend award in 1992.
