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Music titan Quincy Jones dead at 91
Quincy Jones, the multi-talented music titan whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic "Thriller" album to writing prize-winning film and television scores and collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other recording artists, has died at 91. Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, says he died Sunday night at his home in the Bel Air section of Los Angeles, surrounded by his family.
null - Quincy Jones, the legendary music mogul, died of pancreatic cancer, according to a TMZ report.
A death certificate obtained by TMZ from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health revealed no other contributing factors to his death.
Quincy Jones laid to rest
Jones was laid to rest in a private ceremony in Los Angeles one week after his death. The "intimate ceremony included Mr. Jones’ seven children, his brother, two sisters, and immediate family members," according to a statement obtained by The Associated Press.
The family did not reveal the cemetery where the ceremony took place. They added that they remain "enormously grateful for the outpouring of condolences and tributes from his friends and fans from around the world. Details for a memorial celebration of Mr. Jones’ life will be announced at a later date."
Quincy Jones attends the 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 11, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)
Quincy Jones dies at 91
Jones died surrounded by family in his home in Bel Air on Nov. 3.
The following statement was provided from the Jones family:
"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. 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."
Legendary and multitalented music mogul
Jones, who was the first popular conductor-arranger to record with a Fender bass in the mid 1950s, worked with many iconic artists ranging from Frank Sinatra to Ray Charles to Michael Jackson.
He produced and conducted the best-selling single of all time in "We Are The World," and three of Jackson's albums, including the all-time best-selling album, Thriller. He also worked with Sinatra for three years as a conductor and arranger, and created the famous arrangement of "Fly Me To The Moon."
Jones began as vice president of Mercury Records in 1961, making him the first Black executive of a major record company, and held that position for a few years before entering the film industry, where he also became very successful. He co-produced "The Color Purple" in 1985 with Steven Spielberg, earning 11 Oscar nominations, and he helped launch the hit series "The Fresh Prince of Bel Air" in 1991 as an executive producer.
Jones also formed Quincy Jones Entertainment, a co-venture with Time Warner, Inc., and the Quincy Jones Media Group during his decades in the entertainment industry.
His work earned him countless awards and recognitions.
Jones was also a best-selling author and longtime humanitarian, with notable charity work beginning in the 1960s.
He is survived by seven children and three siblings.