The Legacy of Quincy Jones

Quincy Jones, one of the most prolific producers of modern times, has unfortunately passed away at the age of 91. Jones was an outstanding icon that extends past our time, advancing the trajectory of the pop landscape in unforeseen ways. Most known for his contributions to music, Jones has left behind a legacy that’ll stay with the collective consciousness for years to come.

Jones was born in 1933 to parents Quincy Jones Sr. and Sara Frances. The eldest of two siblings, he spent his youth in Chicago surrounded by music thanks to his mother and neighbor Lucy Jackson. After dedicating his focus to music, he soon became enamored with the stylings of jazz and later went on to study at the Berklee College of Music.

One of Jones's most famous accolades has to be his streak of consecutive Michael Jackson albums Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), and Bad (1987). Off the Wall was Jackson’s breakout solo album after leaving Motown Records in 1975. This album made Jackson into the star he is and helped supplement Jackson’s early musical approach. With their next hit, Thriller, Jones helped Jackson top the U.S. Billboard Top LPs & Tapes for the first time in his career. Needless to say, Bad also made waves, giving Jackson 5 hit songs to top the charts.

He was also given credits for co-producing "We Are the World" in 1985, written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, the famous ode to charity relief for African famine. With 30+ singers collaborating for the sole focus of helping the citizens of Africa, Jones demonstrated his dedication to not only music but his calling of social activism. A member of the NAACP, HealthCorps, and GLAAD, and more, it’s obvious that dedicating his life to the help of others was another priority of the musical maestro.

Jones is also known for his work on one of Lesley Gore’s most famous singles, "It’s My Party". It was her first hit single in the U.S, reaching the top of the Billboard charts in 1963. This was also Gore’s debut album, becoming one of Jones’s first mainstays as a hitmaker within the world of pop. The tragic tale of a teenage girl abandoned by the love of her life is a hallmark tune that resonates with listeners to this day, thanks to Jones’s ear for melodies.

Jones is succeeded by his 7 lovely children, one of which is illustrious actress Rashida Jones. Following the news of his passing, Rashida took to Instagram to convey her feelings over the passing of her father.

Rashida’s message is a powerful reminder of the fleeting moments of life, and a lesson to cherish your loved ones. Jones has left behind a legacy that is undefinable. Surpassing a 50+ year career, he was a living legend before his passing and a force to be reckoned with. We mourn his legacy but also celebrate his body of work and the phenomenon that he was.