Death of Quincy Jones, music legend and iconic producer of Michael Jackson

Quincy Jonesdisappeared in Los Angeles 91 ansis a mythical figure of the American music. Revealed in jazz in the 1950s, it quickly became a legendary producer. His career culminated with “Thriller”, Michael Jackson's best-selling album of all time. It was in 1979 that his collaboration with Jackson began, with “Off the Wall”, followed by “Thriller” in 1982 and “Bad” in 1987, works which revolutionized pop and funk. But Quincy Jones also has a career as a prolific composer, scoring unforgettable film and television series scores, and leading the recording of the famous charity song “We Are the World” in 1985. Pioneer of jazz fusion and pop music, this influential artist leaves a rich musical legacy, admired and recognized around the world.

Of Ray Charles has Count Basie, of Frank Sinatra has Aretha Franklinwithout forgetting Michael Jackson… Throughout an exceptional career, this jazz trumpeter, who became a genius arranger, composed and produced hundreds of albums that have become cult. His mark has marked more than half a century of American music, from be-bop to hip-hop and pop.

The journey of Quincy Jones began in jazz in the 1950s, where he quickly distinguished himself as a trumpeter before establishing himself as an arranger and composer. At just 11 years old, he discovered the piano, an instrument that guided him towards music like a true destiny. This budding passion led him to Boston then to Paris, where he completed his training, notably under the direction of teacher Nadia Boulanger. Returning to the United States, he became one of the first African-Americans to reach influential positions in the music industry, notably at Mercury Records, where he was named vice president.

But it is his meeting with Michael Jackson which gives his career an unparalleled dimension. In 1979, Jones produced “Off the Wall”, then the legendary album “Thriller” in 1982, which became the best-selling album of all time with cult titles like “Billie Jean” and “Thriller”. This success was followed by “Bad” in 1987, concluding a trio of albums that redefined the standards of pop and funk. At the same time, Quincy Jones also established himself in the production of iconic film scores such as “In the Heat of the Night” and “L'Or se barre”, as well as notable credits such as that of the series “L'Homme of iron”.

In 1985, he led the recording of the charity song « We Are the World »written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie for the USA for Africa association, an exceptional collaboration bringing together musical figures such as Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder and Bruce Springsteen. A true production pioneer, he was awarded 28 Grammy Awards during his career, prestigious recognitions which underline his deep and lasting impact on the music industry.

In 1991, Quincy Jones created his own production house, Qwest Records, which then expanded into the fields of entertainment, notably with the production of the famous series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”. In 2017, he launched Qwest TV, a streaming platform dedicated to music, a true tribute to his jazz roots.

Jones was also very involved in charity, actively supporting AIDS and cancer research, and creating educational structures for youth through his Quincy Jones Listen Up Foundation. For his 75th birthday in 2008, he was invited by the Montreux Jazz Festival to lead a musical tribute, a remarkable moment which testifies to the admiration he arouses throughout the world.

Today, Quincy Jones leaves a huge legacy, having collaborated with icons like Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles et Aretha Franklin. His career embodies the essence of 20th century popular music, fusing jazz, pop, funk and bossa nova. His death marks the end of an era, but his creations continue to inspire and make his genius resonate with current and future generations.