(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)
The legendary Quincy Jones passed away on Sunday, Nov. 4. He was 91. Associated Press first reported the news. His family, including his children and siblings, shared a short and sweet statement about the musician’s death and legacy with the outlet.
Quincy Jones is survived by seven children: Rashida, Kidada, Kenya, Quincy III, Jolie, Martina, and Rachel; three grandchildren; two sisters; and one brother. Jones’ publicist, Arnold Robinson, told the AP that he died in Los Angeles in his Bel Air home. His family was reportedly present when he transitioned.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones passing,” the family said in their Nov. 4 statement. “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.”
Quincy Jones’ quiet passing follows two other near-death experiences in his life. When he was a teenager, he was involved in a car accident that killed all the friends he was traveling with except him. The scene traumatized him so much that he reportedly never drove again. Then, at age 41, doctors found a brain aneurysm. He had brain surgery to remove it. Afterward, he learned he had a second brain aneurysm and underwent a second surgery for removal. According to PEOPLE, doctors told him his chances of survival were one in a hundred.
The word musician alone doesn’t do Quincy Jones justice. He was also a producer, songwriter, composer, and arranger who worked with other greats like Michael Jackson, Ray Charles, and Frank Sinatra. Iconic albums like Michael’s ‘Thriller’ and ‘Off The Wall’ are a taste of Jones’ genius.
AP reports that he was among the first Black executives to find long-standing Hollywood success. Not only that, his accolades go on and ON. Apparently, his list of honors and awards fills 18 pages in his autobiography, which came out in 2021. At the time of his passing, he was a 28-time GRAMMY winner and an Emmy and Academy Award winner. He was set to receive another Academy Award (an honorary one) later this month.
“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,” his family’s statement said.
On social media, Quincy Jones’ loved ones like his godson, Quincy Brown, former collaborators and celebrities are speaking out about his death. Swipe below to see statements from Will Smith, Tyler Perry, LL Cool J, Ice T, Viola Davis, The Weeknd, Iyanla Vanzant. Keep scrolling to also see what Jennifer Hudson shared.
The entertainment industry, particularly the music lane, has been hit with multiple deaths this past year — from Frankie Beverly to Liam Payne and, most recently, DJ Clark Kent.
