Music enthusiasts around the globe are mourning the loss of Quincy Jones, who passed away on November 4, 2024. Renowned for his exceptional skills as a record producer, songwriter, composer, and arranger, Jones was a multi-faceted American icon whose influence on the industry remains unparalleled.
According to a report from CBS News on the day of his passing, Arnold Robinson, Jones’ publicist, confirmed that the legendary artist died at his home in Bel Air, Los Angeles, surrounded by family. An official statement from his family poignantly expressed their loss:
“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 Legacy of Quincy Jones: A Celebrated Documentary
To honor his contributions to music, a documentary titled Quincy was released in 2018. Co-directed and co-written by his daughter, Rashida Jones, this film offers an insightful look into the life and legacy of Quincy Jones, showcasing the extensive impact he has had on the global music scene.
Documentary Overview and Availability
The documentary was produced by Paula DuPré Pesmen, with executive production by Jane Rosenthal and Berry Welsh of TriBeCa Productions, and Adam Fell for Quincy Jones Productions. Following its special screening at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival, Quincy became available on Netflix on September 21, 2018, after being acquired by the streaming giant, as reported by Deadline on August 1, 2018. With a runtime of just over two hours, the film includes candid interviews where Jones shares insights into his illustrious career, complemented by reflections from contemporary icons, including Lady Gaga, Will Smith, and Paul McCartney.
Notably, the documentary earned the Grammy Award for Best Music Film in 2019, further solidifying Jones’ stature in the industry. View the documentary trailer here:
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Where to Watch
As of now, Quincy can be streamed on Netflix and Apple TV+. In the USA, Netflix offers a basic plan with ads starting at $6.99 per month, while the premium option is available for $22.99 per month. Apple TV+ charges $9.99 a month after a free 7-day trial; purchases of new Apple devices include three months of Apple TV+ at no cost.
Quincy Jones’ Enduring Influence
Over a stellar career spanning approximately 70 years, Quincy Jones became one of the first African Americans to achieve remarkable success in the music industry. He gained initial recognition during the 1950s as a prominent jazz arranger and conductor, later collaborating with legendary artists such as Lesley Gore, Frank Sinatra, and Count Basie.
His remarkable talents led to an Oscar nomination in 1968 for Best Original Song for “The Eyes of Love”from the film Banning, marking a significant milestone for the African American community. Jones is widely celebrated for his collaboration with pop superstar Michael Jackson, producing three of the artist’s most acclaimed albums: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987).
In addition to his musical prowess, Jones’ humanitarian efforts have left a profound impact. In 1985, he produced and conducted the charity single “We Are the World,”which raised significant funds for Ethiopian famine relief.
In remembering Quincy Jones, we not only pay tribute to a musical genius but also to a humanitarian whose legacy will resonate for generations to come.
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