Quincy Jones’ Collaborations: Iconic Musical Artists from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson
The music world mourns the loss of legendary record producer Quincy Jones, who passed away on November 3, 2024, at the age of 91. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed the news, revealing that Jones spent his final moments at his residence in Bel-Air, surrounded by loved ones.
Robinson’s statement reflected the profound impact Jones had on both his family and the music industry:
“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.”
Distinguished by an astonishing 80 Grammy nominations and 28 wins, Quincy Jones was celebrated not just for his compositions, but also for his groundbreaking collaborations with some of the most iconic artists of our time.
Celebrating Quincy Jones: Influential Collaborations
In remembrance of Quincy Jones, let’s highlight five remarkable artists he collaborated with during his illustrious career.
1. Frank Sinatra
Quincy Jones regarded Frank Sinatra as one of his musical idols, sharing fond memories in a post commemorating what would have been Sinatra’s 99th birthday on December 11, 2024. Their journey began in 1958 when Sinatra enlisted Jones to organize an orchestra for a benefit concert supporting the United Nations Refugee Fund.
The two artists reunited in 1964 for the recording session of the timeless classics, Fly Me To The Moon and It Might As Well Be Swing. Jones reflected on their friendship in his memoir, stating:
“Frank was my style. He was hip, straight up, and straight ahead, and above all, a monster musician.”
Furthermore, Jones produced Sinatra’s final album, LA Is My Lady, in 1984.
2. Miles Davis
Miles Davis had already made a name for himself by the time Quincy Jones entered the industry. Their paths first crossed at New York’s Downbeat Club when Jones was just 18. Years later, they would embark on a significant collaboration for the acclaimed jazz project, Back on The Block, in 1989.
Another milestone in their partnership came during a concert at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1991, which led to the release of the posthumous album Miles & Quincy Live at Montreux in 1993. Jones poignantly described Davis as:
“Miles Davis was the Picasso of jazz. He could paint pictures with his music.”
3. Dizzy Gillespie
Quincy Jones’s admiration for jazz icon Dizzy Gillespie began in his youth. By the time he was 22, he got an extraordinary opportunity to work alongside Gillespie as part of a band representing the United States as the first jazz ambassadors.
This collaboration turned into a thriving partnership, resulting in several successful albums that Jones produced for Gillespie, including New Wave. Following Gillespie’s passing, Jones commemorated him on what would have been his 100th birthday, expressing profound gratitude for the influence Gillespie had on his career:
“He truly taught me so much about how to handle responsibility & gave me the confidence to confront whatever I was presented with.”
4. Aretha Franklin
In 1973, Quincy Jones teamed up with the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin, to produce her album Hey Now Hey (The Other Side of the Sky). Jones not only co-produced the album but also co-wrote the track Just Right Tonight, which featured an impressive piano solo by Billy Peston. The album reached number 30 on the Billboard chart and soared to number 2 on the R&B list.
After Franklin’s passing in 2018, Jones reminisced with Rolling Stone, saying:
“I treasured every moment that we spent together… I will miss her dearly.”
5. Michael Jackson
Quincy Jones’s connection with Michael Jackson started at Sammy Davis Jr.’s home, where they met when Jackson was only 12. Their collaboration began with the musical The Wiz in 1978, followed by the release of Jackson’s fifth studio album, Off the Wall, which sold over 20 million copies worldwide.
Building on their success, they produced the historic album Thriller, which became the best-selling album of all time, with over 67 million sales globally, according to Guinness World Records. Their final project together, Bad, released in 1987, sold an impressive 45 million copies.
Quincy Jones leaves behind a rich legacy, surviving through his seven children, including actress Rashida Jones.
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