American trumpeter, composer and music producer Quincy Jones has died at the age of 91, according to a statement from his loved ones relayed by the Associated Press agency. He had notably worked with Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra and Ray Charles. His death was confirmed by his press secretary, Arnold Robinson, in a press release which did not specify the cause, according to these media. “With our broken hearts, we must announce that our father and brother Quincy Jones has died”writes his family in a press release. “While this is an unimaginable loss for our family, we celebrate the incredible life he had.”
Jazzman, studio musician, composer, arranger and producer, Quincy Jones had one of the longest and most successful musical careers of the 20th century. Born on March 14, 1933 in the slums of Chicago, he became known in the 1950s as an arranger for jazz stars such as Duke Ellington, Dinah Washington, Count Basie and Ray Charles.
Quincy Jones – Clark Terry “Moanin’ “
He played second trumpet on Elvis Presley's “Heartbreak Hotel” and teamed with Dizzy Gillespie for several years before moving to Paris in 1957, where he studied with famed composer and educator Nadia Boulanger.
Legendary collaboration with Michael Jackson
Quincy Jones notably produced Michael Jackson's legendary albums “Thriller”, “Off the Wall” and “Bad” and has been awarded 28 Grammy Awards in his career. He also established himself in Hollywood, where he composed music for films and television shows.
Michael Jackson – Thriller (Official 4K Video)
While composing his own hits, like “Soul Bossa Nova,” he arranged at a breakneck pace for dozens of industry stars.
Soul Bossa Nova
“Quincy did it all. He was able to use his genius to translate it into any type of sound“jazz pianist Herbie Hancock told PBS in 2001. “He's not afraid of anything. If you want Quincy to do something, you tell him he can't do it. And of course he will“.
