Quincy Jones: A Musical Legend
A musician, bandleader, composer, producer, and so much more, Quincy Jones, who passed away at the age of 91 on Sunday in California, led an extraordinary life filled with many musical identities. His remarkable accomplishments can be attributed not only to his unparalleled talent but also to an unwavering work ethic.
From his early years, Jones fought diligently to acquire the skills necessary to forge a successful career in music. He first encountered a piano at the tender age of 11, after breaking into a local recreation center in search of food. Just two years later, he managed to convince a professional trumpeter to provide him with lessons every morning before school.
Once he mastered the foundational elements of music, Jones rapidly expanded his repertoire and skillset. Throughout the decades that followed, a continuous stream of opportunities came his way—often multiple at a time. He embraced every chance, transforming much of what he touched into gold, and reshaping the landscape of American music in a career that spanned over five decades.
The following photographs capture various moments of Mr. Jones, both in the limelight and behind the scenes, often serving as a guiding force for other artists as they created their best work. They also reveal the public persona of this musical titan, celebrated for his numerous contributions and achievements.
- Credit: PoPsie Randolph/Michael Ochs Archives, via Getty Images
Quincy Jones collaborating with singer Lesley Gore on the hit song “It’s My Party,” circa 1956 in New York City. - Credit: Franz Hubmann/Imagno, via Getty Images
Mr. Jones leading a band at the renowned Konzerthaus in Vienna in 1960. - Credit: Gai Terrell/Redferns, via Getty Images
Mr. Jones overseeing a recording session in a studio in 1963. - Credit: David Redfern/Redferns, via Getty Images
Mr. Jones alongside singer Roberta Flack, circa 1973. - Credit: A&M Records/Michael Ochs Archives, via Getty Images
Mr. Jones posing for a portrait in 1974. - Credit: David Redfern/Redferns, via Getty Images
Mr. Jones, left, with the legendary Duke Ellington during the recording of the television special “Duke Ellington … We Love You Madly” at the Shubert Theater in Los Angeles in 1973. - Credit: Bettmann, via Getty Images
A moment captured of Stevie Wonder and Mr. Jones during a recording session for the song “Stop, Don’t Pass Go.” - Credit: G. Paul Burnett/The New York Times
Mr. Jones celebrating his six Grammy Awards in 1991 for his critically acclaimed album “Back on the Block.” - Credit: URLI/GARCIA and Gamma-Rapho, via Getty Images
Mr. Jones in the vibrant city of Paris in 1988. - Credit: Alain Benainous/Gamma-Rapho, via Getty Images
Mr. Jones conducting student musicians at the esteemed Montreux Jazz Festival in 1991. - Credit: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc, via Getty Images
Mr. Jones sharing a moment with Oprah Winfrey at the 1995 Academy Awards in Los Angeles, where he received the prestigious Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award. - Credit: Associated Press/Associated Press
Mr. Jones with President Obama in 2011, as he was awarded the National Medal of Arts at the White House. - Credit: Danny Moloshok/Invision, via Associated Press
Mr. Jones onstage with Oprah Winfrey during his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2013 at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. - Credit: Richard Shotwell/Invision, via Associated Press
Mr. Jones at a hand and footprint ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theater in Los Angeles in 2018. - Credit: Damon Winter/The New York Times
Mr. Jones captured at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York in 2013.
