NARA - National Archives and Records Administration
11/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/08/2024 08:18
Tribute to Quincy Jones
"You make your mistakes to learn how to get to the good stuff." ~Quincy Jones
Luciano Pavarotti, Jack Nicholson, and Quincy Jones Listen as President George W. Bush Delivers Remarks in the East Room of the White House to Celebrate the 2001 Kennedy Center Honorees (NAID 452026727)On November 3, 2024, legendary music producer and composer Quincy Jones passed away at 91 years old, at his home in Bel Air, California. He was instrumental in creating the music that made a lasting impression for all generations. During his 70+ year career in entertainment, Jones conducted, produced, composed, and wrote the music for numerous recording artists, and for several movies and TV shows soundtracks. In 1985, he coordinated and produced the single "We Are The World," which included vocals by Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Diana Ross, Willie Nelson, Steve Perry, Kim Carnes, Paul Simon, Tina Turner, Cyndi Lauper, and Ray Charles. Quincy Jones won 28 Grammy Awards, 4 Golden Globe Awards, a Primetime Emmy Award, a Tony Award, Kennedy Center Honor, National Medal of the Arts, and received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music.
Quincy Delight Jones, Jr., was born on March 14, 1933, in Chicago, Illinois, to Sara Frances and Quincy Delight Jones, Sr. After his parents separated, Jones relocated with his father and his new wife to Seattle, Washington. He attended Garfield High School where he played trumpet and learned arrangements. Jones earned a scholarship to Seattle University, but soon transferred to Berklee College of Music. In 1953, he began traveling with Lionel Hampton in Europe, but returned to New York in 1954 to begin writing music. His big break came in 1961, when Jones became the first African American Vice President at Mercury records. This position allowed Jones' career as a composer, producer, and arranger to soar.
Quincy Jones, Van Cliburn, and Julie Andrews Applaud During a Ceremony in the East Room of the White House to Celebrate the 2001 Kennedy Center Honorees (NAID 452026791)Jones produced hit albums that include George Benson's Give Me the Night (1980); Billy Eckstine's At Basin Street East (1962); Aretha Franklin's Hey Now Hey (1973); James Ingram It's Your Night (1983); Michael Jackson's Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987); Sarah Vaughan's Sassy Swings the Tivoli (1964); and The Winans' Decisions (1987). Jones also composed the soundtracks for such movies as In the Heat of the Night (1967), The Italian Job (1969), The Wiz, (1978), and The Color Purple (1985 & 2023). In addition, he composed or executive produced the theme songs for Sanford and Son, Roots, The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, In the House, Mad TV, and Bel-Air.
President George W. Bush and Mrs. Laura Bush Pose with Quincy Jones and a Guest in the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House Before a Ceremony Celebrating the 2001 Kennedy Center Honorees (NAID 452026613)The National Archives and the Presidential Libraries hold several photographs and moving images acknowledging Quincy Jones' achievements. Below are a few selections: