A Legendary Career in Music Production and Philanthropy
Quincy Jones, born Quincy Delight Jr. on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, is a multifaceted jazz and pop figure whose influence in the music industry spans over six decades. His career began when he played trumpet and arranged for Lionel Hampton from 1951 to 1953. Jones then worked as a freelance arranger on many jazz sessions and served as musical director for Dizzy Gillespie’s overseas big-band tour in 1956. His journey in music took him to Paris, where he worked for Barclay Records from 1957 to 1958 and led an all-star big band for the European production of Harold Arlen’s blues opera, “Free and Easy” in 1959.
Returning to New York, Jones continued to make significant contributions to the music world. He composed and arranged for Count Basie, Dinah Washington, and Sarah Vaughan, while also holding an executive post at Mercury Records and producing his own increasingly pop-oriented records. In the mid-1960s, he began composing for films and television, eventually producing over 50 scores and serving as a trailblazing African American musician in the Hollywood arena. Jones’ impact on the music industry is undeniable. He has worked with renowned musicians such as Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and Celine Dion. His collaboration with Michael Jackson resulted in the production of the all-time best-selling album Thriller in 1982. Additionally, he produced Aretha Franklin’s 1973 album Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky) and the soundtrack for the musical adaptation of The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz, in 1978, starring Michael Jackson and Diana Ross.
In 1975, Jones founded Qwest Productions, where he arranged and produced hugely successful albums by Frank Sinatra and other major pop figures. His influence extended beyond music production as he used his clout among major American recording artists to record the much-celebrated anthem “We Are the World” in 1985 to raise money for victims of famine in Ethiopia. Jones’s commitment to social causes has been a defining aspect of his career. The Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation, established in 2001, aims to connect youths with technology, education, culture, and music. The foundation has made significant contributions, including building more than 100 homes in South Africa. Furthermore, it sponsors an intercultural exchange between teens in Los Angeles and South Africa.
In addition to his philanthropic work, Jones has made significant contributions to film and television. He produced the 1985 film The Color Purple, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Whoopi Goldberg, Oprah Winfrey, and Danny Glover. Furthermore, he was involved in the production of the television series The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (1990-1996), starring Will Smith. Jones’ influence extends beyond music and entertainment. He also delved into the world of publishing by launching the magazines Vibe and SPIN. In 1990, he formed Quincy Jones Entertainment (QJE), a co-venture with Time Warner Inc. His autobiography, Q: The Autobiography of Quincy Jones, was published in 2001, providing insights into his remarkable journey in the music industry.
Despite his immense contributions to music and entertainment, Jones has faced controversies. In a GQ interview published in early 2018, he expressed his preferences for contemporary artists like Bruno Mars, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar while criticizing Taylor Swift’s music. These comments stirred discussions within the music community. Furthermore, in another interview published in Vulture around the same time, Jones made controversial statements about Michael Jackson and alleged that Marlon Brando and Richard Pryor had slept together.
Following these interviews, Jones released a statement apologizing for his remarks and emphasizing the importance of growth and learning from mistakes. Despite the controversies, his legacy as a music icon remains unparalleled. In September 2018, Netflix released a documentary called Quincy, shedding light on Jones’ extraordinary career. The documentary was co-directed by his daughter, actress Rashida Jones, providing an intimate portrayal of his life and achievements.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Jones’ personal life has also been notable. He has been married three times. His first marriage was to Jeri Caldwell from 1957 to 1966, with whom he had one daughter named Jolie. He then married Ulla Andersson from 1967 to 1974, with whom he shared a son named Quincy and a daughter named Martina. His final marriage was to actress Peggy Lipton from 1974 to 1990, and they have two daughters together, Rashida and Kidada. Additionally, he has two daughters from other relationships.
Quincy Jones’ impact on the music industry is immeasurable. His remarkable career as a record producer, musician, and film producer has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. From his pioneering work in music production to his dedication to philanthropy and social causes, Jones’ legacy continues to inspire future generations of musicians and industry professionals.